Italy qualified for the Euro 2024 round of 16 by drawing 1-1 with Croatia and finishing in second place in Group B. After Modric's goal in the 10th minute of the second half, Zaccagni equalized in the 98th minute. Also this evening, Spain beat Albania (already qualified) 1 to 0 with a goal from Ferran Torres (group B).

FIRST HALF - The match at the Leipzig Arena heats up already in the first moments, with tight passing by both teams, and ball possession dominated by the Croatians. The attention is all in the center of the pitch, the fans make themselves heard with chants and some whistles. A first thrill for Italy a few minutes from the start with Sucic, who attempts a goal with a left foot, blocked by Donnarumma in the corner.

Italy manages to implement some counterattacks, blocked in the opponent's half of the field. Missed opportunity in the 20th minute with a header from Retegui, who goes wide, Italy doesn't give up and attacks again, same scene with Bastoni shortly after, Livakovic understands and saves. Spalletti pushes to have more openings on the right and left, the Azzurri concentrate more on "aerial" dribbles, but find themselves faced with a good guard.

The first half ends 0-0.

SECOND HALF - Thrill a few minutes into the second half, with the referee wanting to evaluate the possibility of an irregular touch of the ball by Italy at VAR, so much so that he then awarded a penalty to Croatia. Modric kicks and Donnarumma saves. But a few moments later it was Modric who managed to score, sealing the 1-0 lead for the Croatians in the 10th minute.

Italy trying to react, trying to create opportunities, pushing forward. Spalletti chooses a few substitutions and brings on Scamacca, then Zaccagni. The coach often complains that his opponents' attacks on his men are too harsh. It is a second half of suffering for the Azzurri, while the Croatians organize an increasingly tight defense, and assert a very technical side by keeping the ball.

8 MINUTES OF RECOVERY – It was in injury time that Zaccagni scored the equaliser, thus guaranteeing Italy access to the round of 16. The fans' chorus explodes, and we go straight to Saturday's match in Berlin, against Switzerland, at 6pm.

SPALLETTI – «The goal in the 98th minute? We always believe in it in today's football. In our matches there are illogical things, many things still to be put right. But this qualification is deserved": these are the first words of Luciano Spalletti. "We missed incredible goals, we still have to work," added the coach.

(Unioneonline/ss)

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