Thursday, December 19, 2024

Croatia vs Italy: UEFA Euro 2024 – BBC Sport

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Defending champions Italy face Croatia in Leipzig on Monday with both sides looking to avoid an early exit from Euro 2024.

With three points in Group B, the Italians are best placed to reach the last 16.

Spain are already through as group winners and Italy will join them as runners-up if they avoid defeat to Croatia.

They will be heading home early if they lose and Albania manage to stun Spain in the other game.

Croatia, meanwhile, will finish second if they beat Italy and Albania fail to defeat Spain.

Draw and the Croatians would be left sweating on other results to be one of four best third-placed teams.

Italy were beaten by Spain 1-0 in their last game, and boss Luciano Spalletti believes his side will be better for the experience of that loss.

“I expect to see we have learnt a great deal from the Spain game, even though we played badly and even though it was a very painful defeat in terms of how it panned out,” he said.

“There are certain matches that ultimately dictate if it has been a great tale or a tale to forget. Ultimately the glory of your tale comes down to matches like this.”

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