No wonder it’s called the group of death, the current situation in Group B is extremely unpredictable. Only Spain has advanced, while no other team has been officially eliminated. The match between Croatia and Italy at 02:00 on June 25 will be considered a final for the ticket to advance as well as the ranking of this group.
Expert analysis of Croatia vs Italy
Ranked second in the group of death, but having only 1 point after 2 matches has put Croatia in a difficult situation. Things could have been much easier if the checkered team hadn’t let the victory slip away in the final seconds against Albania, so now they will have to win against Italy in the final match. This is a very difficult task for Zlatko Dalic’s team because Italy, despite a minimal defeat to Spain due to an unlucky own goal, still shows a very unpleasant style of play. In addition, Croatia’s attacking line has not shown a very high performance in this year’s tournament, so it will not be simple for them to approach the opponent’s goal.
On the other hand, Italy is facing a small change after the defeat to Spain, which makes them unable to be at ease with the ticket to advance. However, compared to Croatia, the task of the Azzurri is much simpler thanks to the 3 points earned in the opening match against Albania, they only need a draw to officially advance to the knockout stage in the final match. In theory, Italy could still lose the 2nd place if, in the simultaneous match, Albania manages to defeat Spain. However, this is a scenario that is very unlikely to happen, and Luciano Spalletti’s team can be confident in the goal of earning 1 point against Croatia. For a country with a defensive art ingrained in their blood like Italy, this is a situation they can handle well.
Overview of the past matches between Croatia and Italy
In the 5 most recent encounters between Croatia and Italy in all competitions, the advantage is somewhat leaning towards the checkered team with 2 wins and 3 draws. However, Italy can also “quietly celebrate” when looking at the last 3 consecutive matches between the two teams that ended with a 1-1 draw, a result that Azzurri are aiming for in the match on the morning of June 25.
Croatia vs Italy betting odds
In a desperate situation, coach Zlatko Dalic will have to go all out against Italy with the strongest attacking lineup possible. Players like Luka Modric, Kovacic will of course start, but these are 90 minutes where the attacking talents of Croatia are the ones who are expected to break through the solid defense like a stone wall in front of Donnarumma’s goal.
On the other side, it’s not difficult to predict that Italy will actively play defensively with the goal of bringing back at least 1 point, a condition enough for them to advance. However, don’t underestimate the counter-attacks of Azzurri when fast players like Chiesa or Pellegrini, or the transition machines like Jorginho and Dimarco, can finish off Croatia at any time.
- Croatia corner handicap: Soi kèo Croatia Italy, with a game where Croatia actively pushes high attacks, the corners will likely appear frequently on the Italian side of the field. In the last 3 out of 5 matches of Croatia, the corner handicap has brought joy to the fans, so this is a reference option for EURO betting guide to make a wise decision.
- Total goals under: In a match considered a “life or death” for both teams, it’s very difficult to hope for a high-scoring game. Italy will actively seek a draw, while Croatia will also attack with nervousness and fear of any mistakes. This match is likely to be decided by a moment of brilliance.
- Total yellow cards: Tactical fouls are an essential part of important matches, in addition, the match between Croatia and Italy is also controlled by referee Danny Makkelie, who is famous for being strict with an average card pulling frequency of more than 3 times per match.
Information about the strength of Croatia vs Italy
Both teams have their strongest lineup
Predicted lineup for Croatia vs Italy match
- Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic, Pasalic, Modric, Kovacic, Kramaric, Budimir, Majer.
- Italy (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco, Cristante, Frattesi, Barella, Chiesa, Pellegrini, Scamacca.
Soi kèo Croatia vs Italy: 1-1
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