New Delhi: Croatia are all set for the crucial battle against an impressive Italy side at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. Luka Modric and his team need to secure a positive result to advance to the last 16 of UEFA Euro 2024.
Croatia have not been at their best in their opening two games as they lost to Spain and drew to Albania. Croatia have already had more shots and more attempts on target at Euro 2024 than they managed back then three years ago.
Like Croatia, Italy have not been in good form in their opening two games. But at least they managed to get a win on the board as they recovered from an early goal to Albania to win by a 2-1 scoreline. In their second match, they lost due to their own goal.
This match is like a play-off to determine whether Croatia or Italy finish as runner-up to Spain who are guaranteed the top spot in the Group of Death (Group B). If the Checkered Ones win this fixture they will get the top spot and advance to the knockouts.
Team News
Both teams don’t have any injury concerns and all the players will be available for their upcoming clash. Dalic has made several changes in Croatia’s starting XI between their matches against Spain and Albania.
While Luciano Spalletti has maintained consistency in their lineup fielding the same starting XI in both matches. They are likely to move forward with the same playing XI.
Head-to-Head
Croatia hold the upper hand over Italy and have won three out of the nine matches played between the two teams. Meanwhile, Italy have managed to win a single match that too 74 years ago in 1943. Croatia are unbeaten in their last eight encounters against the Italians in all competitions.
On the other hand, Italy have never defeated Croatia in a major international tournament, losing two in the process including a defeat in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. They have lost their final group game in only one of the last nine appearances in the Euro.
The most recent three matches between the two ended in a 1-1 draw.
Predicted lineup
Croatia: Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Erlić, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić; Pašalić, Sučić, Kramarić; Budimir
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Cristante, Jorginho; Barella, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Retegui
When, where and how to watch the Croatia vs Italy match in India?
The Croatia vs Italy UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 pm IST tonight.
Can Croatia overcome Italian challenge and secure a spot in the UEFA Euro 2024 knockouts? Find out in this crucial Group B clash at Red Bull Arena, Leipzig. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
