Mattia Zaccagni scored a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser to send Italy through to the Euro 2024 last 16, breaking Croatian hearts in a Group B thriller. Croatia now face an anxious wait to see if they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, but their chances look slim after this devastating draw.
The tension was palpable in Leipzig as both sides battled for crucial points. A draw was enough to secure Italy’s place in the knockout stages, while Croatia desperately needed a win to guarantee their progression. The first half was a cagey affair, with neither team willing to take excessive risks, resulting in a tightly contested midfield battle.
Croatia, needing a victory, controlled more of the possession in the initial stages, but it was Italy who carved out the clearer opportunities. In the 27th minute, Nicolò Barella delivered an inch-perfect cross to Alessandro Bastoni, whose powerful header forced a brilliant save from Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who tipped the ball over the bar. Despite flashes of attacking intent, the first half concluded goalless, setting the stage for a potentially explosive second half.
The second half ignited shortly after the restart. Just seven minutes in, a VAR review penalised Davide Frattesi for handball inside the Italian box, handing Croatia a golden opportunity to take the lead. Veteran Luka Modric stepped up to take the penalty, but his spot-kick was expertly saved by Italy’s captain, Gianluigi Donnarumma. This save continued Croatia’s dismal penalty record in major tournaments.
However, Modric’s disappointment was incredibly short-lived. Just 33 seconds after his penalty miss, Donnarumma made another excellent save, this time denying Ante Budimir. But the rebound fell kindly to Modric, who made no mistake, firing the ball into the roof of the net. At 38 years and 289 days old, Modric etched his name into Euro history, becoming the oldest player to score in the tournament’s history. It was a moment of redemption for Modric and jubilation for Croatia.
Luka Modric oldest Euro scorer
Alt text: Luka Modric celebrates scoring for Croatia against Italy at Euro 2024, becoming the oldest player to score in the European Championship.
Modric’s goal seemed to have secured a famous victory for Croatia and potentially extended his international career. However, Italy, known for their resilience, were not done yet. After a period of sustained pressure, substitute Mattia Zaccagni produced a moment of magic in the dying moments of the game. In the 98th minute, Zaccagni curled an exquisite shot into the top corner of the net, leaving Livakovic helpless and sending the Italian fans into raptures.
Zaccagni’s goal was Italy’s first in 281 minutes in the Euros, and it arrived at the most crucial moment. The late drama meant Italy finished second in Group B and secured a last-16 tie against Switzerland. For Croatia, the equaliser was a bitter blow. Their fate now hangs in the balance, relying on results elsewhere to see if they can sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams. The Opta supercomputer currently gives them only a minimal chance of progressing, making Zaccagni’s late strike all the more devastating for the Croatian side and their legendary captain, Luka Modric.
Despite needing to chase the game in the second half, Italy struggled to create clear-cut chances until the dramatic equaliser. Prior to Zaccagni’s stunning goal, Italy had not registered a single shot on target in the second half, highlighting Croatia’s defensive resilience for much of the match. However, Italy’s persistence and Zaccagni’s brilliance ultimately proved decisive.
Croatia vs Italy xG race chart Euro 2024
Alt text: Expected Goals (xG) race chart for the Euro 2024 match between Croatia and Italy, showing Italy’s late equaliser.
Key Match Facts:
- Luka Modric became the oldest scorer in European Championship history at 38 years, 289 days.
- Italy has avoided defeat after going behind in two of their three Euro 2024 group matches.
- Croatia has failed to win any of their group games at the Euros for only the second time.
- The last four encounters between Croatia and Italy have ended in draws.
- Croatia has missed their last three penalties in major international tournaments.
- There were only 33 seconds between Modric’s penalty miss and his goal.
- Mattia Zaccagni’s goal was the second-latest goal in Euros history (excluding extra time).
This dramatic Croatia Vs Italy Euro 2024 match will be remembered for its late drama and Luka Modric’s historic goal, but ultimately, it is Italy who celebrate progression to the knockout stages, while Croatia are left to contemplate a painful exit.
