Croatia and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/italy-national-team-tv-schedule/">Italy</a> entered their do-or-die game with a knockout round spot on the line. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/croatia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Croatia</a> needed a win to advance as one of the second-place teams — finishing third with only two points would likely not be enough. Italy could earn an automatic knockout round bid by winning or drawing against Croatia. If <a href="http://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a> beat <a href="http://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/albania-national-team-tv-schedule/">Albania</a>, Italy could even earn a spot as one of the best third-placed teams even if they lost.



“We are ready. Everyone is healthy except for [AEK Athens center-back Domagoj] Vida. We are aware of the situation we are in, that only a win will do, and we have to achieve that,” manager Zlatko Dalić <a href="https://www.thedubrovniktimes.com/news/croatia/item/16503-croatia-prepares-for-decisive-euro-2024-showdown-against-italy#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> before the match. 



“We don’t want to go home this early, but in the first two matches, we didn’t get the necessary result, so we have to do it now. Croatia has always been strong in such matches, the crucial ones, so we are going to fight.”



<h2>Modric goal gives Croatia the lead</h2>



Croatia started the game dominantly, controlling possession and making several dangerous attacks in a way we didn’t see from them this past tournament. Winger Luka Sučić nearly powered an impressive effort from beyond the box, which surprised goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Donnarumma barely did enough to tip over the shot.



However, Italy slowly made their mark on the game, slowing the tempo and making full use of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-milan-tv-schedule/">Inter</a> midfielder Nicolo Barella. Italy could have been two or three goals up by the end of the first half if not for a mixture of poor shooting and solid goalkeeping from Dominik Livakovic. Center-back Alessandro Bastoni probably should have scored when he headed in a Barella cross with only Livakovic to beat. However, Livakovic reacted superbly to bat the ball out of bounds.



Croatia pulled through with a thrilling sequence of events starting in the 52nd minute when striker Andrej Kramaric drilled a shot toward the net. Midfielder Davide Frattesi conceded a vital penalty after he accidentally lifted his hand to block the shot. Modrić saw his low, rolling penalty stopped by the in-form Donnarumma and cleared by the Italian defense.



However, Croatia kept up the pressure, and two minutes later, Modrić redeemed himself. Sucic sent a cross to striker Ante Budimir, whose effort was, again, stopped by Donnarumma. However, Modric scampered after the rebound and blasted his shot into the top-left corner which even Donnarumma couldn’t reach. Modric, who turns 39 in September, became the oldest goalscorer in Euros history, passing Ivica Vastić of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/austria-national-team-tv-schedule/">Austria</a>.



<h2>Thrilling Zaccagni equalizer sends Italy through</h2>



With the goal and Spain’s 1-0 lead over Albania, Croatia would earn an automatic bid. Italy would drop to third place and wait if their three points would be good enough to advance.



For a long time, it looked like Croatia would escape yet again. Modrić and Croatia looked comfortable under the pressure of Italy’s frenzied attacks. At times, Italy looked disconnected and even bored of the game at times. There was a certain laziness about the Italian side; hesitating to fight for 50/50 balls, the slow defending that led to Modrić’s goal, and the non-aggression of the forward line.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240624_WST_513161_Italy-Croatia-1-1200x670_d1ab0a76.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-513184" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Italy-Croatia-1-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Italy-Croatia-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Italy-Croatia-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/Italy-Croatia-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Bastoni had another golden chance to equalize for Italy right after the Croatia goal. Barella sent a great corner cannoning towards Bastoni, towering over his Croatian marker. However, Bastoni couldn’t steer his attempt on target as Livakovic could only watch.



Despite positive build-up from Italy, the Azzurri could not find an end product to their biting attacks. Italy flung all of its players forward in the 98th minute. Center-back Riccardo Calafiori, widely <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-transfer-news/2024/6/23/24184137/rumor-mongering-liverpool-in-talks-for-defender-riccardo-calafiori-bologna-italy-transfer-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regarded</a> as Italy’s best defender at the Euros, led a last-ditch charge towards the goal. His run through the midfield sucked in several Croatian defenders, leaving super-sub Mattia Zaccagni open with time to launch the last kick of the game toward goal.



Zaccagni curled his effort with one simple touch of the ball towards the top right corner, leaving Livakovic with no chance to get a touch on the ball. The Croatians collapsed with exhaustion and tears, knowing that two points likely won’t be enough to advance.



<h2>What’s next for Croatia, Italy</h2>



With the draw against Croatia, Italy will face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/switzerland-national-team-tv-schedule/">Switzerland</a> in the round of 16. The Swiss are a tough opponent who have put in good showings against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/hungary-national-team-tv-schedule/">Hungary</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/germany-national-team-tv-schedule/">Germany</a> and are extremely unlucky to not have taken a win against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/scotland-national-team-tv-schedule/">Scotland</a>. 



Manager Luciano Spalletti has been criticized for his game management and not playing in more rapidly down the stretch. He must silence the questions surrounding Italy’s frail defense with a win over Switzerland.



Croatia are all but eliminated from the tournament. No team has qualified for the knockout rounds as a third-placed team with two points since the tournament expanded to 24 teams. 



“Football can be very cruel,” a tearful Modrić <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1805367988402397638" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>. Modrić was substituted before the goal and cried on the sideline after Zaccagni scored. “I want to play football forever, but we know that this is impossible. One day I will have to announce my retirement from playing, but I do not know when that will be”.

Italy wins knockout berth with 1-1 draw over Croatia

Italy drew 1-1 against Croatia in a game that will feel more like a win for the Azzurri. Italy booked a knockout round spot with the result.

Italy wins knockout berth with 1-1 draw over Croatia - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

Real Madrid need to bolster their defensive corps this summer, and Riccardo Calafiori is emerging as a serious option.



With the likely imminent departures of Rafa Marin and Nacho, Los Blancos will have only three senior central defenders. These would be Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and David Alaba.



The problem is exacerbated since the team is short-handed at the back due to Alaba’s ongoing recuperation from an ACL rupture.



In their quest to strengthen their defense, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> have identified Leny Yoro as their primary target. However, negotiations with Lille have hit a snag due to a significant difference in the valuation of the player.



This impasse has forced the club’s sporting department to explore alternative options, one of which is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-euro/italy-and-spain-meet-again-in-latest-chapter-of-euros-rivalry/">Riccardo Calafiori</a>.



Calafiori, a 22-year-old defender who had an impressive season with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bologna-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-the-us">Bologna</a> in 2023-24, has emerged as a potential candidate. 



His performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from several clubs. Yet, per <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/real-madrid/alternativa-madrid-leny-yoro-104101684" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sport</a>, Los Blancos could potentially outbid other suitors, making them the favorites to secure his signature.



<h2>Versatile asset for Real Madrid?</h2>



Calafiori fits perfectly within Real Madrid’s transfer policy, which focuses on acquiring young and talented players. The 22-year-old Italian is not only affordable but also brings the added advantage of being left-footed. 



With Alaba as the only other left-footed defender in the squad, Calafiori’s inclusion would provide much-needed balance to Carlo Ancelotti’s defense.



Last season, the Italian made 37 appearances for Bologna, scoring two goals and providing five assists. <a href="https://www.whoscored.com/Players/386519/Show/Riccardo-Calafiori" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whoscored</a> says his defensive stats are commendable, averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, and 2.5 clearances per 90 minutes in Serie A.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240622_WST_512869_imago1045648061h-1200x800_6fb3cc12.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="" class="wp-image-512899" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago1045648061h-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago1045648061h-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago1045648061h-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago1045648061h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/imago1045648061h-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Calafiori was pivotal in Bologna qualifying for the Champions League</figcaption></figure>



Furthermore, his pass completion rate stands at an impressive 89.8%, underscoring his ability to distribute the ball effectively from the back. His versatility allows him to operate as a central defender, left-back, or even a left-sided wide player, making him a valuable addition to any squad.



Madrid’s financial muscle positions them favorably to meet Calafiori’s market value, which is reportedly around $32 million. This is significantly lower than the potential cost of signing Leny Yoro. 



However, the player’s current contract with Bologna runs until the summer of 2027, which could complicate negotiations. The ‘Rossoblu’ are likely to demand a high transfer fee, especially given their aspirations for a successful <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">UEFA Champions League</a> campaign.



<h2>Real Madrid have an edge over Calafiori competition</h2>



Adding Calafiori to their roster would not only address <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/real-madrid-to-boycott-2025-club-world-cup-in-united-states/">Carlo Ancelotti</a>’s immediate defensive needs but also serve as a long-term investment. At 22, he has the potential to develop into a top-class player, and the Whites’ track record of nurturing young talent could accelerate his growth. 



His presence would provide depth and quality to Ancelotti’s squad, ensuring they remain competitive across all competitions.



But the La Liga champions are not the only club vying for Calafiori’s signature, as per <a href="https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/euro-2024/italia/2024/06/22-129379188/calafiori_operazione_disgelo_juve-bologna_tutto_ruota_intorno_a_un_esubero" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tuttosport</a>. Juventus have also expressed a strong interest in the young defender. The Bianconeri see him as a perfect candidate to follow <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/motta-looking-to-take-two-bologna-stars-with-him-to-juve/">Thiago Motta to the Allianz Stadium</a>. 



However, Bologna’s high asking price may prove to be a stumbling block for the Bianconeri; whereas Real Madrid’s financial prowess makes them more capable of meeting these demands.



Photo credits: IMAGO / Goal Sports Images : IMAGO / Gribaudi/ImagePhoto

Stunning move for Calafiori? How Italy sensation can help Madrid

Real Madrid are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements, with Riccardo Calafiori emerging as an option

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Italy wins knockout berth with 1-1 draw over Croatia

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Stunning move for Calafiori? How Italy sensation can help Madrid