Croatia and Italy will both be hoping for victory in their final group-stage game at Leipzig. Both of the 2018 World Cup finalists have struggled in their opening two matches, losing to Spain and drawing with Albania respectively.
Zlatko Dalic does not currently face any injuries and could experiment with his starting lineup, replacing Marcelo Brozovic and Lovro Majer with Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic from Italy’s under-21 side, while captain Luka Modric could make one last appearance at Euro 2024 alongside Manchester City midfielder Mate Kovacic in midfield.
Croatia XI: Livakovic
Manchester City defender Fabian Delph is an exceptionally gifted player, but Zlatko Dalic may limit his minutes in Croatia due to a preference for experience and stability over new talent – Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic may both start again under Dalic’s management.
Luka Sucic of RB Leipzig will likely keep his place in the starting eleven, with Mario Pasalic slotting alongside Hoffenheim striker Andrej Kramaric. Armando Broja could drop back onto the bench while Borna Sosa may take his spot on the right flank.
Ivan Perisic may be moved forward from his usual full-back position and Lovro Majer could be replaced by Ante Budimir up front. Dalic will aim to add extra pace to his attack and may consider recruiting Borna Sosa from RB Leipzig winger Borna Sosa as part of this move.
Stanisic
Croatia could secure second place and qualify for the last 16 with a victory against Italy, provided Albania beat Spain. Zlatko Dalic may tinker with his lineup from their opening loss 3-0 against Germany – dropping Marcelo Brozovic or making space for Ante Budimir perhaps?
Stanisic has been one of Croatia’s best players thus far, yet has failed to deliver an effective cross for an area inside the box that needs it most. However, he did win one tackle which showed his versatility as an attacker.
Mattia Zaccagni scored an extra time goal to send Italy through as best runners-up in Group B, while Croatia must wait and see whether their draw against Italy is enough to send them home before moving into the knockout stage. Watch Monday’s match between Croatia and Italy on either FS1 in the US or Fubo in the UK with our seven-day free trial offer – click here now and start your trial. Please be aware of terms and conditions that apply.
Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol’s second-half equaliser ensured Croatia would qualify for the Nations League quarterfinals despite an early setback. After having his header disallowed for offside, Manchester City’s Gvardiol made up for it by scoring at the far post after receiving Kristijan Jakic’s cross.
The goal sparked the hosts into action as they pressed high up the pitch and threatened on the break. Mario Pasalic replaced Mateo Kovacic at half time alongside Luka Modric as they both looked to create chances for their teammates.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature in this match and will hope that he regains fitness before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina next month in World Cup qualifying qualifiers. Luka Modric is one of the veteran Croatian players that can help him refind that form; being one of their most experienced players he is one of Croatia’s premier talents who never falls short in meeting expectations for their nation.
Kramaric
Hoffenheim midfielder Andrej Kramaric had hoped to make his international return in this game against Portugal; however, due to a thigh injury he is out and won’t train until next week.
Anton Stach may start up front once again while Ivan Perisic may continue in his more advanced role down the left flank while Ante Budimir will likely take charge of leading the line.
Luciano Spalletti will be hoping his Italian side can turn things around this tournament and Luciano Dimarco should return from injury soon to join Luciano Retegui’s side, but they have struggled at both games so far. Federico Dimarco should join, though he may not start. Mateo Retegui will replace Dimarco on the bench. Midfield players include Jorginho, Barella and Pellegrini while Di Lorenzo Bastoni Raspadori provide attacking options while Calfiori/Darmian provide support while Frattesi Chiesa/Retegui provides width.
Pasalic
Croatia boasts an abundance of talent at club level, boasting players from Real Madrid (Luka Modric & Mateo Kovacic), FC Barcelona (Ivan Rakitic & Mario Mandzukic) and Internazionale (Marko Pjaca & Luka Ivanusec). Croatia currently stands fourth in FIFA’s world rankings; they placed second in their Euro 2024 qualifying group before playing Spain and Albania for glory on match day four – two key battles that could shape Croatian history!
Pasalic may not be well known to Vatreni fans, but his production at Atalanta as #10 may prove useful when Dalic needs attacking support from right flank and depth midfield positions. At 24 years old he possesses plenty of potential but requires further development on technical aspect to play regularly for Croatia.
Sucic
Lovro Majer, 38 years old and receiving tremendous applause from the crowd, takes over for Modric and helps Italy gain momentum while forcing two corners; Pellegrini takes one of them and attempts to pass a cross off for Retegui but his attempt was deflected over the bar by Retegui’s attempt.
Luciano Spalletti has made some key adjustments to his squad, with Mateo Retegui replacing Gianluca Scamacca up front and Bryan Cristante taking Andrea Cambiaso’s place on the right wing. However, many fans will recognize this team from its previous matches; Italy will qualify with either win or draw; they may avoid being overtaken if Albania defeat Spain while also benefiting if current holders Croatia lose. A win would ensure their entry to the knockout stage while a draw will keep them in fourth position
Kovacic
Kovacic has been an instrumental force in Croatia’s best performances of this tournament, yet they’ve failed to score in two. Unfortunately, he seems increasingly incapable of running solo and it might be time for Zlatko Dalic to change strategy and experiment more.
Dominik Livakovic produced an outstanding save in an otherwise miserable first half, as Italy’s sole opportunity came courtesy of a fantastic cross from Nicolo Barella that found Alessandro Bastoni who attempted a header at goal, only for Dominik to react and block his shot with incredible quickness and dexterity. Italy could have seen their net bulge but due to Dominik’s quick reactions he managed to stop it all the same!
Luciano Spalletti has made substitutions that have renewed his team, yet they lack in creativity up top. Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori and Federico Chiesa all tried but none found that crucial last touch that will unlock victory for Milan.
Majer
Croatia move the ball up the right wing before Modric delivers a cross that Barella almost heads in on, only for Donnarumma to tip it over. Italy come close again as Di Lorenzo attempts to thread through his pass but is blocked by Pongracic with an incredible tackle.
Majer is one of several newcomers in this starting XI, having come in after Pasalic and Sucic were added. He will hope to make an impression against Marcelo Brozovic or Mateo Kovacic for starting spots.
Majer had an outstanding season for Wolfsburg in 2017-18, appearing in over 25 league matches and garnering an excellent FotMob rating of 7.03. His style more closely resembles an attacker than central midfielder; preferring to roam freely around half spaces and dangerous pockets he takes an impressive 1.93 shots per 90 (top 10%). Additionally he can perform high presser duties by clipping passes into the box; unfortunately his weaknesses lie with defensive qualities and goal scoring as these will need to improve if he wants a starting spot at Euro 2024.
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