The final group stage game for both these sides ended in a 1-1 draw as Mattia Zaccagni's late goal spares Italy's blushes at the death sending them into the knockouts while Croatia's chances hang on by a thread. New Delhi: Croatia and Italy faced off in what was a must-win game for both sides as the winner would guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout stages and the loser would have to depend on other results to secure their qualification as one of the four best third-placed teams. Their performance on the pitch matched the importance of this game as both sides were at their best, trying to create chances to go in front.
While the first half remained goalless, both the keepers were put into action quite often as both Italy and Croatia were looking to be the first to take the lead. While the first half produced all the action without the goals, the second half produced the action with the goals. Davide Frattesi gave away a needless penalty less than ten minutes after coming on as his hand was too far away from his body while trying to block a cross.
It was captain vs captain as Luka Modric stepped up to take the penalty against Donnaruma and it was the Italian goalkeeper who came out on top as he palmed Modric’s spot kick away. However, Modric didn’t have to dwell on his penalty miss for too long as minutes after his miss he showed great presence of mind to smash the ball into the net on a rebound after a brilliant save by Donnaruma from Budimir’s poke towards the go.
