Despite Croatia failing to claim the three maximum points against Italy on Monday night in their last Group B encounter of the 2024 European Championship, the Checkered Ones take pride in the fact that they remain undefeated against the Italians.
In 9 overall meetings including friendlies, Croatia have picked up 3 victories and 6 draws against the reigning European champions. For Italy, this is a wretched record.
Luka Modric and his teammates needed a win to advance alongside Spain to the Round of 16 while Italy just needed to avoid a defeat.
That Croatian dream was alive for 43 minutes as the legendary Real Madrid midfielder smashed a rebound into the roof of the impressive Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal post in the 55th minute after the PSG goalkeeper saved his penalty a minute earlier.
Zlatko Dalić’s men defended stoutly to prevent the opponents from equalizing. Italy appeared to have lost the game until Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori produced a moment of magic in additional time.
The 22-year old overran the Croatian midfield to square the ball for substitute Mattia Zaccagni who scored with a sublime curl in the 98th minute as the game ended 1-1.
While Spain and Italy advance to the knockout stage, Croatia could join them as one of the four best third-placed teams depending on the overall ranking of teams after group play.
The draw was a painful outcome for Croatia, however, they remain undefeated against the four-time World Cup winners and at least should be content to have maintained their proud record against one of the best national teams of the world.
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