Italy and Croatia squared off in one of the high-stakes games of Group B in Euro 2024. The thrilling game dram went on right up to the final minute of the clash at the Leipzig stadium. However, Italy snatched away a stoppage-time winner securing their spot in the knockout stage. Modric’s goal seemed promising to secure their spot, but Zaccagni’s goal changed everything.
The match kicked off with Itlaly pressing high in numbers and Bastoni missing an early header. The first major moment of the game came in the 54th minute when Luka Modroc’s penalty was punched away by Itlay’s young goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. Soon. Modric redeemed himself by scoring the opening goal of the game just minutes later. The rebound opener from close range made him the oldest goal scorer in the European Championship at the age of 38 years and 289 days.
On the other hand, Italy was struggling to find their form without their key winger, Federico Chiesa in the main team lineup. Chiesa played a pivotal role in Italy’s 2020 Euro’s success. In the dying moment, with Croatian leading by a goal, the game intensified with Itlay finally recovering their rhythm.
Italy’s stoppage-time heroics eliminated Croatia from Euro 2024
The electrifying game also marked another milestone for Gianluigi Donnarumma. Gianluigi Donnarumma achieves milestone as youngest goalkeeper to reach 10 EURO appearances at 25 years old. In the eighth minute of the extra stoppage time, Riccardo Calafiori bolted a solo run weaving through the Croatian defense. Finding the space between the defensive wall, Califiori assisted the ball to Mattia Zaccagni. Zaccagni scored a beautiful screamer curling the shot in the top right concern, leaving the Croatian goalkeeper Livaković with no chance.
Zaccagni’s winning draw in the final minutes of the game advanced Italy to the round of 16 stage, leaving Croatia devastated. Croatia ended the group in the third position facing elimination. Now Italy has to focus on their upcoming clash against Switzerland.
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