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In an intense Group B match on Monday, Italy advanced to the Euro 2024 knockout stages thanks to a fantastic last-minute goal by Mattia Zaccagni against Croatia, which ended in a 1-1 tie. While Croatia is in danger of losing but may possibly advance based on other outcomes later in the week, Italy advances in second place behind the champions, Spain, and will play Switzerland in the round of 16. Zlatko Dalic’s club is unlikely to finish among the top four third-place teams with just two points, but it is yet feasible. Just 33 seconds after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved the 38-year-old’s penalty, Croatian midfielder Luka Modric scored his goal after 55 minutes, making him the oldest goalscorer in the competition’s history.
Though it appeared to be enough for his team, in the 98th minute, Zaccagni struck a beautiful goal into the top corner during a break to take Italy over what was called a “group of death”.
Dalic decided to strengthen the midfield after conceding five goals in the opening two games, starting Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic among four changes.
The coach also decided to stick with the starting lineup of Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Luka Modric, even though they struggled in the 2-2 draw against lowly Albania and the 3-0 loss to Spain.
