ITALY crushed Croatian hearts with a dramatic late leveller in Leipzig to regain a Euros last 16 spot. The Azzurri looked to have surrendered second place in Group B after Croat pensioner Luka Modric scored in the 55th minute – seconds after missing a penalty. But in the dying moments, Mattia Zaccagni curled in a 98th-minute beauty to ensure the reigning European champions will play Switzerland in the knockout stage.
As for Croatia , unbelievable heartbreak. They are not mathematically out, but it is incredibly unlikely that they will make it through as a ranked third-place side on two points. What a way for Modric to potentially end his international career on his 178th appearance having become the oldest scorer at a Euros at 38 years and 289 days.
But Croatia can hardly complain. The World Cup finalists from 2018 had been woeful in their opening two outings - smashed by Spain before conceding a late leveller to Albania - and not a lot better here, much to boss Zlatko Dalic’s dismay. The ultimate major tournament warriors came agonisingly close to proving everyone wrong yet again only to fall at the final hurdle having given their all to hang on.
Dalic made four changes, including two of his back four – unsurprising given his men had already shipped five goals in two games in Germany. Luciano Spalletti also pulled out a few surprises with his team selection, switching to a three at the back, as well as dropping forwards Federico Chiesa and Gianluca Scamacca. The former.
