Croatia 1-1 Italy: Player Ratings as Mattia Zaccagni scores wonderful curler to secure last-gasp draw for the Azzurri | UEFA Euro 2024
Italy secured a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Croatia in their final Group B game in UEFA Euro 2024 on Monday, June 24. The result means they qualify for the round of 16 as the second-placed team behind Spain.
Both Italy and Croatia began the first half in energetic fashion as they looked to gain an early advantage in this crucial fixture. Despite having less of the ball, the Azzurri made the most of possession in the opponent's half as they created multiple chances. However, just two of their six shots were on target as Dominik Livakovic was called upon for two regulation saves.
Croatia created fewer chances but were slightly more clinical as they attempted two shots with one of those on target. Their midfield trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic did well to gain control but were unable to penetrate a stubborn and quick Italian defence in the first period. Italy and Croatia were deadlocked at 0-0 at half-time.
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic made one alteration during the interval as he brought on a more traditional striker in Ante Budimir in place of Mario Pasalic. This gave the team more purpose as they took the early initiative in the second half and were awarded for it. Italy substitute Davide Frattesi was guilty of handling the ball and a penalty was awarded to the Croatians.
Modric stepped up to take it but saw his shot saved by a leaping Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Croatia's captain was presented with an opportunity to score just moments later and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 in the 55th minute.
The game got heated from this point on as Croatia picked up tactical yellow cards at regular intervals and also slowed the game down by moving the ball sideways. Both managers made multiple changes but Luciano Spalletti proved to have played the better hand in the end.
Riccardo Calafiori's darting run from defence to find substitute Mattia Zaccagni for a wonderful winner crushed Croatian hearts as the game ended 1-1. On that note, let's take a look at Italy's player ratings.
Italy Player Ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma - 7.5/10
Donnarumma put in a composed performance between the sticks for Italy as he made three saves throughout the game. One of those was a heroic leftward dive to deny Modric from the penalty spot.
Matteo Darmian - 6.5/10
Darmian had a decent game as he won one duel and made two clearances and was subbed off after 80 minutes.
Alessandro Bastoni - 7/10
Bastoni was solid in defence as he won four duels and made two clearances. He also played one key pass but missed two glorious chances to score as one shot was saved and the other was off-target.
Riccardo Calafiori - 7.5/10
Calafiori showed lack of awareness for Croatia's goal as he could have cleared the ball. However, he made amends for his error with a lovely run and an assist for Italy's late equalizer. He also won three duels and made five clearances.
Jorginho - 7/10
Jorginho had a good game in midfield as he distributed the ball well to his teammates with an accuracy of 95%. He also won five of his eight duels and made four tackles.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo - 6.5/10
Di Lorenzo had a decent game for Italy on the right flank as he won six duels and made one tackle and one clearance.
Nicolo Barella - 7.5/10
Barella looked to thread passes through Croatia's lines at every opportunity as he passed the ball with 96% accuracy, including two key passes. He also won four duels and made two tackles.
Lorenzo Pellegrini - 7/10
Pellegrini had a good game for Italy as he played one key pass and also won three duels. He also attempted two shots but just one of those was on target.
Federico Dimarco - 6.5/10
Dimarco had a subpar defensive outing as he failed to win any of his three duels and lost possession 10 times. However, he played one key pass and one accurate cross while going forward.
Giacomo Raspadori - 7.5/10
Raspadori had a quiet night in terms of shooting as he saw his only attempt blocked. However, he played three key passes and two accurate crosses to help Italy create chances. He also won four duels.
Mateo Retegui - 7/10
Retegui had a subpar game in front of goal as he saw all three of his shots blocked. However, he did well off the ball as he won 10 duels and made two tackles.
Substitutes
Davide Frattesi - 6/10
Frattesi was guilty of handling the ball and gave away a penaly in the 54th minute. He also lost possession of the ball 10 times.
Federico Chiesa - 6.5/10
Spalletti brought him on as soon as Italy conceded but he failed to make the desired impact. Chiesa did not attempt a single shot, or play a single key pass or accurate cross.
Gianluca Scamacca - 6.5/10
Having started the first two games, Scamacca came off the bench for this one and saw his only attempt blocked.
Nicolo Fagioli - 6.5/10
He came on late in the game and was booked for a foul in stoppage time.
Mattia Zaccagni - 7.5/10
He came on in the 81st minute and scored the winning goal in the dying embers to make it 1-1 in what was his first goal for Italy.