Mattia Zakani’s 98th-minute equalizer broke Croatia’s coronary heart, sending Italy into the final 16 of Euro 2024 and pushing their opponents to the brink of elimination.
Luka Modric’s dramatic opener regarded set to ship Croatia into the knockout rounds, however as a substitute Italy completed second in Group B behind Spain following a highlight-reel efficiency in Leipzig and face Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday .
Croatia, who presently have simply two factors, now want England to beat Slovenia by not less than three targets on Tuesday to turn into the most effective third-placed sides.
Italy fell into despair. Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Modric’s penalty after Davide Frattesi was penalized for handball following a VAR examine, however the 38-year-old scored shortly after The 20-year-old Magic shot from shut vary after which celebrated excitedly together with his teammates.
The Croatian followers gave Modric a standing ovation when he was substituted with 10 minutes remaining. It appears to be like like his newest second of magic will see Croatia plunge into the knockout phases of a significant match as soon as once more.
However after Alessandro Bastoni wasted one other enormous header alternative, his shot was brilliantly saved by Dominic Livakovic and Gianluca Scamacca failed at hand over Substitute Zaccani modified the state of affairs by scoring his first worldwide aim off a low move from Federico Chiesa.
Ricardo Calafiore charged ahead and handed to Lazio’s Zakani on the left. His right-footed curling shot was very stunning and hit the far submit. It was a good looking second however a merciless blow for Croatia.
