In Euro 2024’s ‘Group of Death,’ Spain has already secured advancement, leaving Italy and Croatia to battle for survival. Italy holds a slight advantage after defeating Albania 2-1, while Croatia’s draw against the same team puts them at risk of an early exit.
Croatia, which has reached the World Cup final and semi-final in recent years, may make several changes to improve their performance. Midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has faced criticism, and veteran Luka Modric has struggled. Ivan Perisic has yet to regain form after an injury.
Youngster Luka Sucic might replace Brozovic, and striker Bruno Petkovic, who missed a penalty against Spain, has called for the team to step up. Coach Zlatko Dalic feels he is unfairly criticized despite Croatia’s successes. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic remains optimistic, believing Croatia controls its fate.
Italy needs only a draw to secure second place but faces low expectations after their 1-0 loss to Spain. With veterans like Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini retired and coach Luciano Spalletti making potential changes, the team looks different from the one that won Euro 2020. Gianluigi Buffon expressed confidence, urging the team to use their recent defeat as motivation.
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