Mattia Zaccagni delivered a dramatic equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time, securing Italy's progression to the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a 1-1 draw against Croatia. Luka Modric’s second-half goal had put Croatia on the brink of advancing as Group B runners-up, but Zaccagni’s precise shot inside the far post in the eighth minute of added time ensured the defending champions moved forward.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic expressed frustration over the extended stoppage time following his team’s tenacious performance.
“You can’t have eight minutes of added time after that game, it’s nonsense,” Dalic said. “There weren’t so many breaks in play, or so many fouls to justify that. I don’t want to cause a fuss but I think Croatia needs to be acknowledged and respected. We played for almost three hours.”
Italy required only a draw to advance, while Croatia needed a win to secure their place in the tournament. With two points from three games, Croatia's hopes now rest on other results to see if they can qualify as one of the best third-place finishers. Dalic, however, seemed pessimistic about their chances.
Italy will face Switzerland in the round of 16 on Saturday at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, which will also host the final on July 14.
“We were a bit soft at times in the game, we didn’t produce our best football,” Italy coach Luciano Spalletti remarked. “When you can afford to draw the game, that’s how it goes, you know a draw is enough, you are a bit more timid.”
When asked about his concerns regarding Italy trailing into stoppage time, Spalletti responded, “Worries and concerns are part and parcel of this job. We did what we needed to do.”
Modric, at 38 years and 289 days old, became the oldest goal-scorer in the tournament’s history, surpassing Ivica Vastic, who was 38 years and 257 days old when he scored for Austria against Poland at Euro 2008.
Modric scored just 33 seconds after his penalty was saved by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, capitalizing on a rebound in the 55th minute following an immediate follow-up shot by Ante Budimir.
The goal ignited celebrations among Croatian fans, who hurled their beer cups skyward in jubilation. Italy, suddenly needing a goal to avoid a potential knockout, saw Alessandro Bastoni head just over the crossbar in response.
Modric, who turned his efforts to defense before being substituted to standing ovations in the 80th minute, was not fatigued, according to Dalic. “He wasn’t tired,” Dalic clarified. “I wanted to give my star a rest.”
Italy’s relentless pressure ultimately paid off with Zaccagni’s curling shot, ensuring their advancement in the tournament at the very last moment.
