Croatia vs. Italy Predictions

• Where: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany
• When: Tuesday, June 25, 03:00 AM

Croatia and Italy are both after the second spot in Group B of the 2024 UEFA EURO. Spain has already clinched the top position in the assembly following a decisive victory over Italy last Thursday night, setting the stage for a critical showdown between these two big football nations.

Croatia vs. Italy Preview

Croatia

Croatia recently showed remarkable resilience against Albania, overturning a deficit and taking the lead. But that didn’t mean a thing because they allowed a goal in stoppage time, thus severely deteriorating their chances for the knockout stage. Currently sitting with just one point, Croatia finds itself in a do-or-die situation where only a win will suit their plans.

Time appears to be catching up with this Croatian side, as numerous players aren’t at the same level as before. Their defense, which has names like Gvardiol or Stanisic, has been highly unstable. And unlike the previous years, fortune isn’t on their side anymore. Just remember the previous World Cup and goalkeeper Livakovic’s saves.

Zlatko Dalic needs to find a solution to motivate his underachieving midfielders. Modric and Brozovic aren’t playing football as they know, but then again, age might be the problem here.

Italy

Meanwhile, Italy was thoroughly outplayed by Spain to the point where they looked very disappointing. The only thing preventing a heavier defeat was Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was outstanding during all 90 minutes.

The Azzurri lacked everything in their game, especially in the midfield, where Spain showed class, not allowing the Italians to breathe. Additionally, that part of the unit struggled defensively, which allowed rivals opportunities to create scoring chances.

From what we saw during the qualifiers, the Italian side doesn’t have the physicality to compete with the best teams in the world. They might be technically gifted, but when it comes to running and battling, a bit aggressive rival shuts down their lines.

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Croatia and Italy Possible Lineups

Croatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric

Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca

Croatia vs Italy Head to Head

We didn’t see winners in the last few meetings. Those encounters occurred during the 2016 EURO qualifiers, both ending in 1-1 draws. Similarly, their face-off in the 2012 EURO group stage resulted in another 1-1 stalemate.

Croatia vs. Italy Predictions

Heading into this crucial fixture, Croatia and Italy have had lackluster performances in their previous matches here. Italy’s display against Spain was below the worst expectations, while Croatia’s was also a massive disappointment. Given the immense pressure both teams will face in this high-stakes game, a conservative approach is probable. Therefore, the suggested wager here is under 2.5 goals.

Our verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Croatia versus Italy Odds

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