Croatia vs Italy: Last-gasp goal earns Italy a draw and a place in the last 16
Italy stun Croatia with late goal to reach last 16
An added-time goal from Mattia Zaccagni snatched a 1-1 draw with Croatia and a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Nikola Vlasic had given Croatia the lead in the 64th minute, but Zaccagni's goal in the 94th minute rescued a point for Italy and sent them through to the knockout stages.
The result means that Italy finish top of Group A, while Croatia finish second. England, who beat Czech Republic 1-0, finish third and will now face the runners-up from Group B in the last 16.
Croatia will face the winners of Group B in the last 16.
Conclusion
Italy's late goal was a cruel blow for Croatia, who had been the better side for much of the match. However, Italy showed their fighting spirit and never gave up, and they were eventually rewarded with a point that was enough to see them through to the next round.
Croatia will be disappointed to have missed out on top spot in the group, but they can still take heart from their performance against Italy. They showed that they are a team with plenty of quality, and they will be confident of making a good run in the knockout stages.
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