Euro 2024: Italy’s late goal secures them a place in the last 16

Euro 2024: Italy’s late goal secures them a place in the last 16

An added time goal from Italy’s Mattia Zaccagni snatched a 1-1 draw with Croatia in Euro 2024, which was enough to earn them a place in the last 16 of the competition as Group B runners-up where they will face Switzerland, while Croatia must wait to see if they progress in Euro 2024.

After a scoreless first half, Croatia’s Luka Modric had a penalty saved in the 54th minute, but less than a minute later he smashed home a rebound after Gianluigi Donnarumma pulled off another fine save from Ante Budimir.

The goal brought defending champions Italy to life, and they pressed for the equalizer which would take them through. With time running out, Zaccagni curled home a shot from distance to break Croatian hearts.

Spain top the group on nine points, Italy finish with four, and Croatia are third on two points and must wait to see if they will progress as one of the best four third-placed finishers in Euro 2024.

Albania are eliminated after coming bottom of the group on one point after their 1-0 loss to Spain, a result which means England, France, and the Netherlands are now guaranteed to finish at least among the four best third-placed teams in the competition.