Goal.mu

Vying for second spot in Group B at Euro 2024, Croatia and Italy will meet for a Monday night showdown in Leipzig. While the Azzurri know one point is enough to secure a place in the last 16, their neighbors must win and hope Albania do not beat group winners Spain.

Match Preview:

Despite suffering a serious setback on Wednesday – when they conceded a last-gasp goal against Albania to sit on just one point after two Group B fixtures – Croatia can still progress to the knockout rounds of another European Championship. They will certainly go through to the last 16 if they defeat Italy on Monday and Albania are unable to upset Spain – should the Albanians also win, the pair would be split by means of goal difference.

Defeat would consign the World Cup bronze medallists to an early exit – also a draw and Albania avoiding defeat – as the two teams’ head-to-head record is level after events at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion. Having lost 3-0 to Spain in their opener, the Vatreni were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Albania four days later, scoring twice in the second half to turn the game on its head before shipping a gut-wrenching stoppage-time equaliser.

Croatia have already had more shots and more attempts on target at Euro 2024 than they managed across three group games three years ago, but an ageing midfield and misfiring attack has not helped their cause this summer. As his team have also conceded five goals so far – and face the prospect of failing to win at a major finals for the first time since 2006 – long-serving head coach Zlatko Dalic is left with some tough decisions to make.

Now two nations split by the Adriatic Sea will meet for a high-stakes contest in Eastern Germany, with Croatia holding the upper hand in terms of precedent: since gaining independence in the 1990s, they are unbeaten in eight games against their Italian counterparts.

Meeting Croatia for the third time at a major tournament – having lost 2-1 at the 2002 World Cup and played out a stalemate at Euro 2012 – Italy are armed with the knowledge that a draw on this occasion will send them through as Group B runners-up. The reigning European champions could already have booked their place in the last 16, but suffering a 1-0 defeat to Spain last time out leaves the Azzurri in some danger of a disappointing exit.

Although only Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal separated the sides in Gelsenkirchen, La Roja were by far the better team in almost every metric, causing much consternation up and down the Italian peninsula. With a 10-game undefeated streak at UEFA’s main event finally over, dreams of becoming just the second country to win successive Euros are now dependent on quickly turning things around.

Luciano Spalletti’s men have plenty to prove, after attempting their fewest shots in a European Championship game to date and looking shaky at the back: La Nazionale have never lost consecutive matches at the Euros, but their final group fixture looks far from straightforward. Avoiding defeat to Croatia is a minimum requirement, because if Italy lose and Albania somehow shock already-qualified Spain, the Azzurri’s title defense would come crashing to a halt.

Team News:

Croatia: As all 25 remaining players trained at the weekend – Torino forward Nikola Vlasic recently departed the camp due to injury – Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic can contemplate several changes to his starting XI. Bruno Petkovic could make way for Ante Budimir up front, while former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic may be dropped for fresh legs in the form of 21-year-old Luka Sucic, having failed to perform thus far.

As ever, captain Luka Modric will join Mateo Kovacic in the engine room, while the latter’s Manchester City teammate Josko Gvardiol should continue in central defence, with veteran winger Ivan Perisic lining up at left-back.

Croatia possible starting lineup: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Budimir, Kramaric

Italy: Italy are also expected to shake up their side on Monday, following sub-par displays by players such as Gianluca Scamacca, Jorginho and Giovanni Di Lorenzo against Spain. Luciano Spalletti’s squad was decimated by injury before the tournament kicked off, but Matteo Darmian, Bryan Cristante and Genoa striker Mateo Retegui are all viable alternatives – up-and-coming midfielders Nicolo Fagioli and Michael Folorunsho would be wildcard selections.

Voted player of the tournament at Euro 2020, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will captain the Azzurri, with Inter pair Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella also virtually certain of selection.

Italy possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Darmian, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Cristante, Barella; Chiesa, Pellegrini, Zaccagni; Retegui

Prediction: Given Croatia’s historical advantage over Italy and the high stakes for both teams, this match promises to be tightly contested. Italy’s slightly more favorable position in the group might give them a slight edge, but Croatia’s resilience could lead to an upset.

(Odds are taken from bet365 and are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.T&Cs apply, 18+)

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Croatia 1-1 Italy odds at 6.50 bet365

Justification: Croatia’s strong record against Italy and their desperate need for a win could see them put up a tough fight. However, Italy’s need to secure at least a draw to advance might see them play a more cautious game, resulting in a draw.

Other Betting Markets:

• Both Teams to Score: Yes
• Over/Under 2.5 Full Time: Under 2.5 goals
• Hot Stat: Croatia are unbeaten in eight games against Italy since gaining independence.

125 average Markets available for Croatia v Italy

Full Time Result

Half Time/Full Time

Half Time/Full Time (cont.)

Half Time/Full Time (cont.)

Correct Score

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

Correct Score (cont.)

First Goalscorer

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

First Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Winning Margin

Winning Margin (cont.)

Winning Margin (cont.)

Winning Margin (cont.)

To Score at Any Time

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

To Score at Any Time (cont.)

Handicap Result

Player of the Match

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

Player of the Match (cont.)

First Card Received

Corners

Time of First Corner

Total Goals

Corner Match Bet

First Team to Score

Multicorners

Time of First Card

Half-Time

Total Goal Minutes

Full Time Result – Enhanced Prices

Team Performances

Team Performances (cont.)

Total Goals Odd/Even

Double Chance

Team Total Goals

Team Total Goals (cont.)

Team Total Goals (cont.)

Team Total Goals (cont.)

Team Total Goals (cont.)

Team Total Goals (cont.)

Team Total Goals (cont.)

Both Teams to Score

Team First Goalscorer

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team First Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Team Last Goalscorer (cont.)

Alternative Total Goals

Alternative Total Goals (cont.)

Alternative Total Goals (cont.)

Alternative Total Goals (cont.)

Alternative Total Goals (cont.)

Exact Total Goals

Exact Total Goals (cont.)

Exact Total Goals (cont.)

Alternative Handicap Result

Alternative Handicap Result (cont.)

Alternative Handicap Result (cont.)

Alternative Handicap Result (cont.)

Exact 1st Half Goals

Exact 1st Half Goals (cont.)

1st Half Goals Odd/Even

Alternative 1st Half Handicap Result

Alternative 1st Half Handicap Result (cont.)

Alternative 1st Half Handicap Result (cont.)

2nd Half Result

2nd Half Goals

2nd Half Goals (cont.)

2nd Half Goals (cont.)

2nd Half Goals (cont.)

Clean Sheet

Clean Sheet (cont.)

Teams to Score

Teams to Score (cont.)

Result / Total Goals

Result / Total Goals (cont.)

Time of 1st Team Goal

Time of 1st Team Goal

1st Goal Method

1st Goal Method (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Two or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

To Score Three or More Goals (cont.)

Own Goal

To Win From Behind

To Win to Nil

To Win Either Half

To Win Both Halves

To Score in Both Halves

To Score a Penalty

To Miss a Penalty

Alternative Corners

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Alternative Corners (cont.)

Corners 2-Way

Team Corners

Team Corners

Race to 3 Corners

Card Handicap

Alternative Card Handicap

Alternative Card Handicap (cont.)

Alternative Card Handicap (cont.)

Alternative Card Handicap (cont.)

Team Cards

Team Cards

10 Minute Result

Goals in First 10 Minutes

Corners in First 10 Minutes

Cards in First 10 Minutes

Free Kicks in First 10 Minutes

Goal Kicks in First 10 Minutes

Throw-ins in First 10 Minutes

Exact 2nd Half Goals

Exact 2nd Half Goals (cont.)

1st Player Booked

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

1st Player Booked (cont.)

Team to Kick Off

Half Time Double Chance

Early Goal

Late Goal

First Match Corner

Last Match Corner

Last Team to Score

Corner Handicap

Number of Goals in Match

Half with Most Goals

1st Half Goals

1st Half Goals (cont.)

1st Half Goals (cont.)

First Half Corners

Half Time Correct Score

Half Time Correct Score (cont.)

Half Time Correct Score (cont.)

Half Time Correct Score (cont.)

Half Time Correct Score (cont.)

Half Time Correct Score (cont.)

Half Time Correct Score (cont.)

Time of First Goal Brackets

Time of First Goal Brackets (cont.)

Time of First Goal Brackets (cont.)

Time of First Goal Brackets (cont.)

Number of Cards in Match

Draw No Bet

Player to be Booked

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Booked (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

Player to be Sent Off (cont.)

A Penalty in the Match

A Red Card in the Match

Race to 5 Corners

Race to 7 Corners

Race to 9 Corners

1st Half – Handicap

Result/Both Teams to Score

Result/Both Teams to Score (cont.)

Total Goals/Both Teams to Score

Total Goals/Both Teams to Score (cont.)

Home Team Odd/Even Goals

Away Team Odd/Even Goals

Home Team Exact Goals

Home Team Exact Goals (cont.)

Away Team Exact Goals

Away Team Exact Goals (cont.)

Home Team Highest Scoring Half

Away Team Highest Scoring Half

Home Team to Score in 1st Half

Away Team to Score in 1st Half

Both Teams to Score in 1st Half

Half Time Result/Both Teams to Score

Half Time Result/Both Teams to Score (cont.)

Half Time Result/Total Goals

Half Time Result/Total Goals (cont.)

Home Team to Score in 2nd Half

Away Team to Score in 2nd Half

Both Teams to Score in 2nd Half

2nd Half Goals Odd/Even

Both Teams to Score 1st Half – 2nd Half

Both Teams to Score 1st Half – 2nd Half (cont.)

Total Corners

Total Corners (cont.)

Asian Handicap

Goal Line

Asian Total Corners

Asian Handicap Corners

Asian Total Cards

1st Half Asian Corners

Asian Handicap Cards

1st Half Goal Line

1st Half Asian Handicap

Alternative Asian Handicap

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative Goal Line

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Alternative 1st Half Asian Handicap

Alternative 1st Half Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative 1st Half Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative 1st Half Asian Handicap (cont.)

Alternative 1st Half Goal Line

Alternative 1st Half Goal Line (cont.)

Alternative 1st Half Goal Line (cont.)

Alternative 1st Half Goal Line (cont.)

The content provided in this article is intended solely for informational and entertainment purposes. Betting and gambling involve significant risks, including the potential loss of the principal amount wagered. Readers should be aware of their local regulations and laws concerning online betting and gambling. Always gamble responsibly, knowing that the outcomes are unpredictable and can lead to financial losses.If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, please seek help. Many organizations provide resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Remember, the best bet is always a well-informed decision.Never gamble with funds that are essential for your daily life, and always set limits to ensure you’re not gambling more than you can afford to lose. The thrill of the bet should never overshadow the potential consequences of loss. Stay safe, informed, and gamble responsibly.