Home » EURO 2024: Italy stuns Croatia with Zaccagni’s late equalizer

EURO 2024: Italy stuns Croatia with Zaccagni’s late equalizer

Mattia Zaccagni pulled out a late-game stunner, as Italy booked a round-of-16 spot at EURO 2024 on Monday with a 1-1 draw over Croatia.

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Italy sends Croatia packing in EURO 2024

Luka Modric drew first blood for Croatia by slamming a shot into the roof of the net in the 55th minute.

The Real Madrid veteran midfielder became the oldest goalscorer in EUROs history at 38 years and 289 days old.

Scorer. Leader. Record-breaker.

🇭🇷 Luka Modrić 👏@Vivo_GLOBAL | #EUROPOTM pic.twitter.com/W5cID41gTq

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 24, 2024

Modric thought he had sealed the game-winner for Croatia, but the defending champions had other plans.

Italy drew an equalizer in stoppage time when substitute Zaccagni volleyed in the 98th past Dominik Livakovic into the far corner.

Zaccagni's composure and finish in the final minute… 🥶#EUROGOTT | @AlipayPlus pic.twitter.com/pHyMHLzfot

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 24, 2024

What happens to Italy, Croatia

Luciano Spalletti’s side finished second in Group B with four points, keeping their title-defense hopes alive.

Italy joins Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and England in the next round.

Meanwhile, Italy’s late blow broke Croatia’s hearts who had been minutes away from progressing in the EURO 2024.

Croatia finished third in the group standings with two points, but it remains uncertain if that will be enough to advance to the knockout stage.

EURO 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

• Germany outclass Scotland in 5-1 opening fixture
• EURO 2024 RESULT – SWITZERLAND EDGED HUNGARY IN THE OPENING GROUP GAME
• EURO 2024: BELLINGHAM HEADER LIFTS ENGLAND PAST SERBIA
• EURO 2024: SLOVENIA SPOIL ERIKSEN MOMENT FOR DENMARK
• WEGHORST SALVAGES NETHERLANDS VS POLAND
• ITALY HUMBLES ALBANIA DESPITE YIELDING QUICK GOAL
• SLOVAKIA STUNS BELGIUM AFTER LUKAKU GOALS RULED OUT
• WOBER OWN GOAL LIFTS FRANCE TO WIN AMID MBAPPE INJURY
• EURO 2024: PORTUGAL THUMPS TURKEY AMID RONALDO SELFIE CHAOS
• EURO 2024: SPAIN BEATS ALBANIA TO FINISH PERFECT IN GROUP B

Spalletti also surprised

Even Spalletti was surprised by Zaccagni’s rescue job for Italy, praising his side’s never-say-die attitude throughout the match.

Nonetheless, the Italy manager insisted that there is still much room for improvement heading into the next stage.

“There are things that happen in our matches that are illogical but we need to take what the boys have in their qualities and put them in a position to express themselves at their best,” Spalletti said.

“We passed through the group stage with merit. Now we will have a chance to think about the next match [in the last 16].”