As the final group stage matches of EURO 2024 approach, Croatia and Italy face off in a crucial encounter at Leipzig Stadium. With Croatia needing a win to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds alive, and Italy requiring only a draw to secure their place in the last 16, this match promises to be a tense and tactical battle.
Croatia has shown vulnerability in their previous games, while Italy, despite not being at their best, has displayed resilience. This high-stakes showdown will determine the fate of both teams in Group B.
Croatia vs Italy H2H/Stats
- Croatia have one point from two games, having conceded five goals.
- Croatia trailed for over an hour to Albania in their last game.
- Italy only need a point to advance to the knockout stages.
- Italy’s only goal in the last 165 minutes of tournament play was an own-goal by their opponent.
- Croatia conceded a late equalizer to Albania, putting them in a must-win situation.
- Italy beat Albania 2-1 and lost 1-0 to Spain in their group stage matches.
Croatia vs Italy Team News
Both teams are expected to make changes to their starting line-ups following their previous performances. Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic has to consider fresh legs and tactical adjustments after an inconsistent start to the tournament. On the other hand, Italy’s Luciano Spalletti might also rotate his squad to address issues seen in their game against Spain.
- Croatia:
- Torino forward Nikola Vlasic recently left the camp due to injury.
- Potential changes include Ante Budimir replacing Bruno Petkovic up front.
- Marcelo Brozovic may be dropped for Luka Sucic in midfield.
- Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic to anchor the midfield.
- Josko Gvardiol expected to continue in central defense with Ivan Perisic at left-back.
- Italy:
- Possible lineup adjustments after sub-par displays by key players against Spain.
- Gianluca Scamacca, Jorginho, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo might be rotated out.
- Alternatives include Matteo Darmian, Bryan Cristante, and Mateo Retegui.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma will captain the team, with Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella likely to start.
Probable Line-Up
Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Budimir, Kramaric
Italy XI: Donnarumma; Darmian, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Cristante, Barella; Chiesa, Pellegrini, Zaccagni; Retegui
Verdict
In a match where the stakes are incredibly high for both teams, the dynamics suggest a cautious approach from Italy and a desperate but structured push from Croatia. Italy’s disciplined defense and counter-attacking prowess could exploit Croatia’s need to attack, leading to a closely contested match likely decided by small margins.
Italy to Win❌
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Italy 1-0❌
Reason: Italy’s recent matches have been low-scoring, with just one goal in their last 165 minutes of play. Croatia’s defensive issues and Italy’s need to avoid defeat point towards a cautious, low-scoring game.
Gianluca Scamacca to Score Anytime❌
Reason: Scamacca has been bright despite not scoring yet, and Croatia’s defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly around the penalty area. With Italy expected to counter-attack, Scamacca could capitalize on Croatia’s defensive lapses.
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Betting Tips Today 👇
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Today’s football predictions include a variety of popular betting markets, such as Betting Tips 1X2, both teams to score, and over 2.5 Predictions. Each prediction is carefully crafted, focusing on must-win teams and featuring accumulator tips and safe bets over 1.5 goals.
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Betting Tips 1X2
- Albania v Spain✅
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- Selfoss v Haukar ❌
Both Teams To Score Today
- Ullern v Mjondalen B✅
- Junkeren v Valerenga B❌
- Trollhattan v Jonkopings✅
Over 2.5 Predictions
- Jonkopings v Lexington✅
- Tiller v Stabaek B✅
- Stabaek B v Start B✅
Accumulator tips
- Albania v Spain 2 ✅
- Ullern v Mjondalen B BTTS ❌
- Stabaek B v Start B Over 2.5 Goals ✅
Expert in sports content and a lover of football. I’ve written various content, tips, and reviews of various betting platforms. Also, I’m a Chelsea fan who watches and follows many European leagues and equally follows Nigerian & South Africa leagues.
