In the early morning of June 25, Beijing time, the final round of the 2024 European Championship Group B will be a focus of the battle, holding 3 points of the previous champion Italy will face Qatar World Cup third place Croatia, who only got 1 point in the first two games. The outcome of this game will determine who can capture the second place in this group.
Italy, who started their campaign with a low profile, came from behind to beat Albania and then lost 1-0 to Spain. Spain have already secured the top spot in the group, while Italy will be assured of second place as long as they do not lose to Croatia.
Chiesa (left) in action during Italy's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the second round.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said in the pre-match press conference that the team did not like the loss to Spain, "We analyzed and discussed that game and agreed that compared to the first game we have regressed." I hope the team can learn from the Spain game, which hurt." Spalletti revealed that the team will have the idea of changing the lineup in the final round, "In fact, we played very well against Albania... Now we notice signs of fatigue and rust in the team and that will definitely change."
Italian football famous Capello in an interview with the media believes that the team needs to be cautious about this game, (this game) will determine the trend of our tournament, as the last champion, we are forced into a corner... Croatia have always been very strong and their midfield is very threatening, with Modric, Brozovic and Kovac all having quality."
In the second round, Croatia drew 2-2 with Albania, and veteran Luka Modric carried the ball in the game.
In contrast, the situation is more serious for Croatia, who need to beat Italy to have a chance of progressing from this group. Looking ahead to the match at his pre-match press conference, manager Dalic said: "It will be a historic game again and only a win can keep us going. Nobody wants to go home too early." Dalic insists Italy cannot be judged on their defeat to Spain.
It is worth mentioning that since 1994, the Croatian team and the Italian team have played eight times in various competitions and have never failed. Dalic was cautious: "Italy only need a point, but I don't think they will only go for a draw. I expect them to be very strong and aggressive, but I believe in my team."
This article is transferred from "Qilu one point".
