Italy score late equaliser against Croatia to advance to Euro 2024 last 16

Mattia Zaccagni came off the bench to fire a superb equaliser in the last minute of added-time and snatch Italy a 1-1 draw with Croatia to send the holders through to the knockout stage of Euro 2024.

Just moments after seeing his second-half penalty saved, Luka Modric fired Croatia ahead from close range in the 55th minute.

Italy looked to be left to rely on other results to progress as one of the best third-placed teams before Lazio winger Zaccagni curled home a superb strike in the eighth minute of stoppage-time.

WE LOVE THIS GAME. pic.twitter.com/6G8fc0fp51

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 24, 2024

Croatia were well beaten by Spain in their opening Group B game and then conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Albania, which left them facing an uphill task to reach the knockout stage.

Zlatko Dalic’s side started brightly, with Luka Sucic sending a rising 25-yard drive towards the top corner which Gianluigi Donnarumma pushed away at full stretch.

Italy, looking to recover from their own defeat by Spain, went close when a header from Genoa striker Mateo Retegui was deflected wide off Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol.

The Azzurri threatened again just before the half-hour mark after Nicolo Barella clipped over a cross from the right which floated through the six-yard box to Inter team-mate Alessandro Bastoni, and the defender’s powerful header was tipped over by Dominik Livakovic.