Croatia vs Italy prediction: EUROPE: Euro betting tips on match 2024-06-23 19:00.
[p]A 2-2 draw in Group B against Albania on matchday two helped Croatia to avert recording consecutive defeats at the same major tournament since Euro ’96, but it was no consolation for a side that has finished in the top three of the last two FIFA World Cups. After receiving a 3-0 drubbing from Spain and then drawing via a last-gasp goal against Albania, the Croats now need a win in the last group game against defending champions Italy to progress out of the groups for a third consecutive European tournament.[/p]
[p]Poor goal difference may prove a hindrance for Zlatko Dalić’s side if they end up fighting to be one of the four best third-placed teams. Complicating their chances even further, Croatia now haven’t kept a clean sheet in nine consecutive Euro matches, conceding ten across the last three!  [/p]
[p]Italy were left chasing shadows in a 1-0 defeat to Spain courtesy of an own goal from Riccardo Calafiori and were lucky to have not lost by a bigger margin, with their goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma producing some splendid form. Thanks to Donnarumma and a 2-1 win over Albania on matchday one, the defending champions are still in line to progress if they avoid defeat here, and that is something that the Italians have done across their last three competitive H2Hs, all ending in 1-1 draws.[/p]
[p]A repeat would be enough to guarantee a fifth consecutive knockout appearance in the Euros, but coach Luciano Spalletti will not be disillusioned. That’s because his side have failed to keep a clean sheet in six straight Euro finals games, ironically since matchday three of the last edition, putting pressure on their front line to deliver here.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Ivan Perišić is one goal shy of becoming Croatia’s solo second highest scorer and scored in their matchday three win in the last edition. Looking to spoil his plans will be Nicolò Barella, who netted the winner against Albania to carry on his tradition of seeing Italy win whenever he’s scored (W10). [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Croatia have conceded at least one first-half goal in their last five Euro finals matches and four of Italy’s last six Euros finals goals have come before half-time.[/p]