Croatia 1-1 Italy: Zaccagni scores late equaliser to send Italy to last-16

Italy secured their place in the UEFA Euro 2024 knockout stages in a remarkable turn of events, scoring a last-minute equalizer to earn a thrilling 1-1 draw against Croatia and ensure their fifth consecutive appearance in the Euros' knockout rounds.

Requiring nothing less than a victory to maintain their slim chances of finishing in the top two, Croatia started aggressively in pursuit of an early goal.

Their opportunity came close within the first five minutes, as Luka Sucic's bending shot from outside the box forced Gianluigi Donnarumma to make a full-stretch save to keep the score level.

Despite Croatia's early dominance, their defensive vulnerabilities were nearly exposed in the first half when Mateo Retegui missed a header from Riccardo Calafiori's cross, narrowly avoiding the target.

Italy's strategy of delivering crosses into the box proved effective, exemplified by Nicolo Barella's precise delivery to Alessandro Bastoni, who found himself unmarked six yards from goal. However, Dominik Livakovic's exceptional form denied Italy a goal, making a remarkable save to push the ball over the crossbar.

Following the break, the importance of that save became even more evident as Croatia's quick start earned them a penalty after Davide Frattesi handled the ball in the area.

Luka Modric, the veteran player, stepped up to take the penalty, but his attempt was saved by Donnarumma.

The two players quickly found themselves in another face-off, with Croatia's most capped player scoring a goal by smashing the ball into the net, making him the oldest-ever goalscorer in the Euros. Donnarumma had initially made an excellent save to deny Andrej Kramaric.

Having not kept a clean sheet in nine consecutive Euros matches before this game, it was always going to be challenging to see it through. Italy almost scored immediately when an unmarked Bastoni headed the ball over from close range.

Despite making several changes, Italy's momentum seemed to have been halted. However, in the final moments, Mattia Zaccagni scored a stunning last-minute goal to break Croatian hearts and secure Italy's spot in the knockout stage.

Croatia now awaits nervously to see if their two points are enough to advance as one of the best third-place finishers. Italy, on the other hand, already knows they will face Switzerland in the last 16, with the match scheduled for June 29th to kick off the knockout phase.