LAST-GASP ITALY SNARE SECOND SPOT AND BREAK CROATIAN HEARTS
Substitute Mattia Zaccagni struck deep into stoppage time to send Italy into the Last 16 of Euro 2024 following a dramatic 1-1 draw with Croatia in Leipzig.
Luka Modric had looked to have put the Croatians in the box seat when the 38-year-old Vatreni captain went from villain to hero in the blink of an eye, as he saw his 54th-minute penalty kick saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma but was then on-hand to turn home a rebound to send his country into ecstasy just 30 seconds later.
The Azzurri poured forward in search of the equaliser but Alessandro Bastoni headed a fine chance over the top before Zaccagni fired a wonderful finish into the far corner to save The Azzurri at the death.
The result sees Italy finish second behind Group B winners Spain while Croatia’s tally of two points and -3 goal difference means they are unlikely to finish as one of the best third-place sides. Minnows Albania end up bottom of the pool and bow out despite some memorable moments at this summer’s tournament.
The Azzurri will now meet Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday in Berlin (17.00 BST kick off).
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