Mattia Zaccagni scored in the final minute of stoppage time, dashing Croatia’s hopes with a late equalizer that ensures the defending champions advance to the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Luka Modric had believed he secured victory for Croatia, sending them through as runners-up in Group B, when he struck a shot into the roof of the net early in the second half.
This came after his penalty had been saved, but his swift response to that setback seemed enough for the Croatians.
However, Italy equalized in stoppage time when Zaccagni curled the ball home in the 98th minute, securing their progression alongside group winners Spain.
It was a heartbreaking outcome for Croatia, who were minutes away from advancing but now find that two points are unlikely to be sufficient to rank among the best third-placed teams.
As a result, Italy will face Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday, June 29.
A devastating end for Croatia
Croatia’s players collapsed to the ground at the final whistle, while their fans stood motionless in the stands, staring in disbelief at what had just happened.
The 2018 World Cup finalists had struggled in their first two games of this tournament, suffering a heavy defeat to Spain and drawing with Albania.
This put them in the position of underdogs against the defending champions, a role they often relish, and they seemed to thrive on it with a strong start to the game.
They had Italy on the defensive, but as the match progressed, their struggles in the final third appeared to be their downfall.
Then Modric stepped up. Seconds after seeing his penalty saved, the 38-year-old drove a shot into the roof of the net, sending Croatian fans into a frenzy.
From that moment, they managed the game superbly, but with almost the last kick of the game, Zaccagni found space and took a shot that devastated the Croatian fans.
Now, questions arise about the future of Croatia’s aging stars, with Modric and others who led them to a World Cup semi-final two years ago now in their mid to late 30s.
A let-off for Italy that could be their spark
Italy, the Euro 2020 champions, have struggled to live up to their title in this tournament.
They had to come from behind to defeat Albania in their opener and were then deservedly beaten by Spain.
As a result, boss Luciano Spalletti made changes for this game, but once again, they were largely second best.
They had a good spell after weathering a strong start by Croatia, creating several chances, but after Modric’s strike, they saw plenty of the ball without truly threatening.
To Italy’s credit, they persevered until the very end, even though they likely would have progressed as one of the best third-placed sides.
Long after the final whistle, their fans were still celebrating in the stands, hoping this moment will ignite their campaign at Euro 2024.
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