Italy advance thanks to an equalizer in the 8th minute of injury time against Croatia

On June 25, Italy drew 1-1 with Croatia, Spain beat Albania 1-0 in Group B. With this result, Spain and Italy have won tickets to the round of 16 of Euro 2024.

Tuyển Ý nối bước Tây Ban Nha vào vòng 16 đội Euro 2024 - Ảnh: REUTERS — *Italy follows Spain into the round of 16 at Euro 2024 - Photo: REUTERS*

The match between Croatia and Italy started with great excitement as both teams were ready to give and take. Croatia, in a must-win situation, took the risk of pushing forward. They had an early chance with Sucic's long-range shot forcing goalkeeper Donnarumma to show his skills.

That was also the sign of the beginning of a hard day of competition for the Italian captain. On the Croatian side, the most outstanding player was none other than Luka Modric. At the age of 38, he still tirelessly and persistently moved to every position on the field.

Both became prominent figures in the second half. In the 54th minute, Croatia was awarded a penalty when Frattesi handled the ball in the penalty area. But Luka Modric could not beat goalkeeper Donnarumma on the 11m mark.

However, fate chose the Croatian captain to shine. Just 1 minute later, Modric made amends. That was the situation where Donnarumma blocked Budimir's close-range shot. But Modric rushed in to shoot the rebound in front of an open goal.

The goal helped Croatia temporarily surpass Italy in the rankings and have one hand on the ticket to the next round. After that, Croatia immediately switched to a deep defensive position. Things became more and more difficult for the Italian team.

Coach Spalletti's team could only rely on set pieces but could not overcome Croatia's tall defense.

As time passed towards the final minutes, it seemed that joy had come to Modric and his teammates. But the cruelty of football came in the 8th minute of extra time.

In the decisive attack, Calafiori struggled to get past several Croatian players. His pass left Mattia Zaccagni wide open for him to curl home a goal to level the score at 1-1 for Italy.

In the same match, Spain defeated Albania 1-0 and became the first team to win all group stage of Euro 2024.

With this result, Italy also followed Spain as the two representatives of Group B to advance to the round of 16. Meanwhile, Croatia is the third-placed team in Group B and is waiting for a wild card.