Italy - Croatia Prediction (2:00 a.m. June 25): The battle for survival

(Dan Tri) - Both Italy and Croatia are being pushed into a corner because a defeat in the direct competition in the final round of Group B at Leipzig (Germany) will cause one of the two teams to say goodbye to Euro 2024.

Italy and Croatia ended their two matches in Group B of Euro 2024 with great disappointment. Croatia lost 0-3 to Spain and drew 2-2 with Albania, while Italy barely beat Albania 2-1 and lost 0-1 to Spain. The situation of the group of death is unpredictable before the final match. Spain (6 points) has secured the top spot in Group B and how they will play when facing Albania in the final match is a concern for both Italy and Croatia.

Losing 0-1 to Spain, Italy was forced to play Croatia to win a ticket to continue at Euro 2024 (Photo: Getty).

Italy got 3 points and temporarily ranked second in Group B. They will have more chances to continue if they draw with Croatia in the final round, but certainly coach Spalletti's army will not enter the match with a draw mentality to avoid risks. The reigning European champions are skeptical about their ambitions at Euro 2024 when they do not have many stars who can make a difference. That is why the Azzurri barely won against the weakest team in the group, Albania, and the defense revealed fatal mistakes with Dimarco's unfortunate throw-in. Calafiori also made his "mark" in the match against Spain with an own goal. That was the match where, without the brilliance of goalkeeper Donnarumma, Italy would not only have lost 0-1 in a match where they were completely overwhelmed by Spain. Croatia's performance was even more disappointing, especially in the 2-2 draw with Albania, making the chance of continuing fragile. The world's third-ranked team seemed certain to win, but a lack of concentration in defense caused Croatia to drop two points and be forced into a decisive match against Italy. Luka Modric continued to fight with Croatia, despite his age of 39 and his fitness level declining. However, teammates like Kovacic and Brozovic failed to meet expectations in controlling the midfield, causing Croatia to lose the game at times against the underdog Albania.

Croatia disappointed when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Albania (Photo: UEFA).

Being forced into a must-win situation, Croatia will play offensively against Italy. Bruno Petkovic may have to sit on the bench to make way for Ante Budimir. Midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has not recovered from injury and young talent Luka Sucic will be given the opportunity to play alongside Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic in midfield. Center-back Josko Gvardiol will play a key role in the center of defense while veteran Ivan Perisic will play at left-back to enhance Croatia's ability to attack the flanks. This is Croatia's optimal lineup with the goal of 3 points against Italy. After disappointing matches, Gianluca Scamacca, Jorginho and Giovanni Di Lorenzo will have to sit on the bench. Matteo Darmian, Bryan Cristante and Mateo Retegui will start from the start to bring a new breeze to the Azzurri's attack. Italy and Croatia are equal in strength, but coach Spalletti's army has a comfortable mentality with a younger squad and a more diverse playing style. If they stay calm and play as intended, Italy can at least get a draw to advance and make Croatia say goodbye to Euro 2024 early. Expected lineup Croatia : Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Budimir, Kramaric Italy : Donnarumma; Darmian, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Cristante, Barella; Chiesa, Pellegrini, Zaccagni; Register

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