Some how, some way, Italy is still alive at the 2024 Euros. The defending champion after winning the 2020 Euros (which took place in 2021) over England, has qualified for the Knockout Round of the 2024 Euros at the very last second. After Luka Modric gave Croatia a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute of the game, Italy needed eight minutes of stoppage time to get the game-tying goal against Croatia, and advance to the Knockout Round.
In the 98th minute of play, Italy raced down the field and Mattia Zaccagni got a perfect pass right in the box. He curled a shot past Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, giving Italy its first and only goal of the match — and more importantly, sending them to the Knockout Round of the 2024 Euros. ITALY IN THE 98TH MINUTE 😱 AS IT STANDS ITALY IS MOVING ON 🇮🇹 This is an incredible turn of events for the Italians, who looked well on their way to elimination after being down 1-0 in stoppage time.
However, Italy was able to advance by the skin of its teeth, and now keep its dream alive of a repeat at the Euros. Italy entered the match against Croatia as favorites. The Italians needed just a draw to move onto the Knockout Round as the second-place finisher in Group B.
Croatia outplayed Italy for 90-plus minutes, but in the 98th minute, it was Italy that had the final punch. Italy kicked off the tournament with a 2-1 win over Albania thanks to goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella. However, Italy then was shut out by Spain — the eventu.
