"It's hard to back either team" - Chris Sutton makes bold prediction for Euro 2024 clash between Croatia and Italy
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has backed Italy to scrape past Croatia with a 1-0 win in their upcoming Euro 2024 fixture. The two European titans are set to face each other in a do-or-die clash at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig on Monday, June 24.
Croatia have struggled to replicate their impressive form in recent years at Euro 2024. Despite finishing in second and third place at the last two World Cups, the Vatreni are in real danger of not making the Round of 16.
Zlatko Dalic's men were outclassed by Spain in their Euro 2024 opener, losing 3-0. Moreover, they were held to a 2-2 draw by Albania and are currently at the bottom of Group B with one point, five points behind leaders Spain.
In contrast, Italy are currently second in the table with three points. The Euro 2020 champions defeated Albania 2-1 but lost 1-0 to Spain. They could seal their spot in the Round of 16 as long as they avoid defeat against Croatia. However, history favors the latter as Croatia are unbeaten in their last eight games against Italy, winning three, and drawing five.
Sutton made his prediction for the highly anticipated Euro 2024 clash, writing (via BBC Sport):
"I am at this game for Radio 5 Live and it is a tough one to call. Croatia were walloped by Spain, and they threw away a win against Albania, who had caused them all sorts of problems. This is an aging Croatia side, as I’ve said before, but the reason I would give them a bit of hope in this game is that Spain absolutely annihilated Italy in their last game."
He added:
"Italy boss Luciano Spalletti said before they played Spain that his side’s brand of football is the only thing that can save them, but their brand was turgid in that game. They are going to need one heck of an improvement to save them, if that’s the route Spalletti is going down."
"It's hard to back either team, to be honest, but I am going to stick with my forecast that Croatia will flop. I don’t know why, based on their performance against Spain, but I am backing Italy."
Sutton's Prediction: 0-1
Italy suffer massive blow as Inter Milan star set to miss Euro 2024 clash against Croatia due to injury: Reports
According to Sky Sport Italia (via FCInterNews), Inter Milan wingback Federico Dimarco is likely to miss Italy's upcoming Euro 2024 fixture against Croatia due to injury. He suffered a knock in their 1-0 loss against Spain and hasn't trained with the national team since.
This would be a big blow for Gli Azzurri as Dimarco started both of their games against Albania and Spain. The 26-year-old is also in exceptional form, having garnered six goals and eight assists in 40 appearances across all competitions for Inter in the 2023-24 season.
Dimarco is reportedly expected to return to training in a day or two, but won't be fit to start against Croatia. Former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian has allegedly been tested on the left flank in team training to replace him for the time being.