The group stage of the UEFA Euro 2024 has entered its final phase with Croatia and Italy scheduled to square off against each other in their final group stage clash at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on Monday night. While Croatia need a win to boost their qualification chances, a draw for Luciano Spalletti’s side will keep them in contention for the Round of 16 qualification.
In Group B, Zlatko Dalic’s men are placed at the bottom after a draw and loss against Albania and Spain respectively while Italy are at the second spot with a win against Albania and a loss against Spain. Croatia have one point in two matches while Italy have three points after their opening two clashes.
Croatia vs Italy: Match Preview
The 2022 FIFA World Cup third-placed side, Croatia, have surprisingly dominated the reigning European champions, Italy, in their head-to-head fixtures. Both sides have squared off on nine occasions with the Vaterani winning three times while the Azzurri won just one game back in 1942, and five ended in draws.
The last three games between Croatia and Italy have resulted in draws with an identical score of 1-1 while just one game ended in a goalless draw between the two sides. In their nine clashes, Croatia have scored 10 goals while Italy have also found the back of the net 10 times.
Croatia vs Italy: Match Prediction
The head-to-head stats between the two sides make the game between Croatia and Italy in the Euro 2024 an even clash. However, Luka Modric’s side cannot afford anything less than a victory against Italy to stay in contention for Round of 16 qualification. A win for Italy will ensure their RO16 qualification while a draw against Croatia and a win or draw in the game between Spain and Albania will also confirm their qualification chances.
In the Euro 2024, Italy scored two goals and conceded two, one each against Spain and Albania. While Croatia also scored two goals in the competition, they conceded five goals which exposed their defense. Considering all the facts, we predict Italy and Croatia will play a 2-2 draw.