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 final match 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 won 2-1 against Albania and lost 0-1 to Spain. The situation of the group of death is unpredictable before the final match. Spain (6 points) is firmly in the top position of Group B and how they will play when facing Albania in the final match makes both Italy and Croatia worried.

Losing 0-1 to Spain, Italy was forced to fight 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 last round, but certainly coach Spalletti's team 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 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 excellence 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 third world champions seemed to have secured victory, but a lack of concentration in defense caused Croatia to drop 2 points and be forced into a decisive match with Italy. Luka Modric still fought persistently with Croatia, even though he was 39 years old and prone to physical decline. However, teammates like Kovacic and Brozovic did not meet expectations in controlling the midfield, causing Croatia to lose the game at times against the weaker opponent Albania.

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

Being forced into a must-win situation, Croatia will play an attacking game against Italy. Bruno Petkovic may have to sit on the bench to make way for Ante Budimir. Midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has not yet 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 plays a key role in the center of defense while veteran Ivan Perisic plays 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 can stay alert and play as planned, 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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