Croatia vs Italy Prediction & Betting Tips (24 June)

Often considered a big outsider for several years, Croatia has really stammered so far in this Euro. They first had a very delicate start against Spain last Saturday, being outclassed by La Roja 3-0. Getting off to a poor start against Albania, the 2018 vice-world champions were trailing at the break before turning the match around in just 3 minutes at the dawn of the last quarter of an hour. But when they thought they had done the hardest part, they were finally joined in the score at the very end of the match by a valiant Albanian team 2-2. These rather complicated beginnings were quite unexpected for the Vatreni who had prepared rather well for this tournament by winning against North Macedonia 3-0 and against Portugal 1-2. During the qualifying campaign, Zlatko Dalic's men only took 2nd place in their group behind Turkey. Note that in recent years, they have been in the final of the World Cup in 2018, in the semi-final in Qatar in 2022 and in the final of the Nations League.

Like their opponent of the day, Italy also had a difficult start to this Euro by conceding a goal after only a few seconds of play against Albania. But she quickly recovered by scoring 2 goals in quick succession to turn the tide and achieve a first success in this tournament 2-1. The Nazionale will then have a lot to do to confirm on Thursday evening against Spain who had made a strong impression for their entry into the running. Largely absent from the last two World Cups, the Squadra Azzura almost had to go through play-offs to qualify for the Euro but they ultimately took 2nd place in their qualifying group behind England and narrowly ahead of Ukraine . Finally, during their preparation, the Transalpines showed a rather mixed face with a draw conceded against Turkey 0-0 and a narrow victory obtained against Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0.

The Croatian coach can no longer count on winger Vlasic (Torino, 8 goals in 56 seasons) who had to withdraw from the rest of the Euro. Defender Caleta-Car (Lyon) and winger Brekalo (Hadjuk Split) were not called up. Zlatko Dalic has decided not to innovate much for this competition by calling on his usual executives who are for the most part aging like captain Luka Modric and his midfield sidekicks Kovacic (Manchester City) and Brozovic (Al Nassr) who remain holders. However, the latter was replaced at halftime against Albania and he could start on the bench on Monday. In defense, the essential Gvardiol and the stainless Perisic (Hadjuk Split, 33 goals in 133 seasons) could also start. Against Albania, it was striker Kramaric (Hoffenheim, 29 goals in 95 seasons) who was able to equalize while center forward Budimir (Osasuna, 3 goals in 22 seasons) did not score but he was valuable after his entry into play. It is more difficult for Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb, 11 goals in 40 seasons) who could lose his starting place.

On the Italian side, Luciano Spalletti was unable to take a good number of players to Germany like Calabria, Acerbi, Scalvini, Udogie, Zaniolo and Berardi. Midfielder Locatelli and striker Immobile did not receive the confidence of their coach and therefore remained at the dock. Without surprise, Donnarumma (PSG) who was promoted to captain of this team, should start in the same capacity as the defenders Di Lorenzo (Naples), Bastoni (Inter) and Dimarco (Inter), the midfielders Pellegrini (Roma) and Barella (Inter) and winger Chiesa (Juventus). The last two cities started their competition very well against Albania, showing a lot of quality. Up front, the rough Scamacca (Atalanta) established himself as center forward although he has only scored once in 17 caps.