Croatia vs Italy: Preview, Lineups and Predictions

*Odds are subject to change

It’s the third and final round of fixtures from Euro 2024 Group B as Croatia takes on Italy. Monday evening’s game is live on television and will attract a global audience with some of the competition’s best players on show. But which nation will win and boost their tally by three points? There’s all to play for at the Red Bull Arena, and fans can’t wait to get started with another entertaining game guaranteed.

Italy got off to a winning start when beating Albania 2-1 in Dortmund to open the show in style. The defending champions may have fallen behind early in that game, but Italy rallied and quickly got themselves level before pulling clear and securing the win. Another victory would send the Italians into the knockout stages in high spirits despite their loss to Spain. Will they get the desired result and heap misery on the Croatians, who lost 3-0 to Spain and drew 2-2 with Albania? Keep reading for our big match preview and predictions.

• Location: Leipzig
• Stadium: Red Bull Arena
• Date: 24 June 2024
• Kick-Off Time: 21:00 CEST (20:00 BST)
• Referee: Danny Makkelie
• VAR: Rob Dieperink

Croatia Team News

Croatia has taken just one point from a possible six in Group B, meaning they are up against it in the race to qualify for the knockout stages. They face a must-win game on Monday, but unfortunately for the Croatians, it will be played against the defending champions.

Does an underfire Croatian side have what it takes to silence their critics and beat Italy to keep their dreams alive? Football fans can’t wait to find out. Croatia has no new injury problems, but there’s a feeling this great team is fast approaching the end of the road, and Euro 2024 could be the final appearance for many household names. They were well beaten by the Spanish but conceded a late goal against a determined Albanian side that refused to quit, netting with 95 minutes on the clock.

Italy Team News

Italy lost 1-0 to Spain in Thursday’s thriller, but the game was far less competitive than the final score suggests. The Spanish dominated much of the contest, playing free and fast-flowing football, but they struggled to break down their opponents. Italy was organised, well-drilled, and worked hard, but they failed to create many chances, with the stats showing just one shot on target against nine of their opponents.

That midweek loss to Spain left Italy second in Group B behind the Spanish, with three points from a possible six. If Italy gets a draw or better against Croatia in their final group game, it will be enough to send them through to the next round. But we don’t expect to see the Italians play for a share.

Croatia vs Italy H2H Record and Key Numbers

The head-to-head stats associated with this game make for interesting reading. Croatia and Italy have met nine times previously, and, interestingly, Italy has managed just one win with Croatia in three and five games, ending in a draw.

The previous three games have all been 1-1 finishes, and followers of the trends will likely stick with that and back another draw in this game. Italy’s sole win over Croatia came way back in 1942 when the Italians eased to a stunning 4-0 result. Fans would love to see anything near a repeat performance with the Croatians take heart from their form.

Possible Lineups

• Croatia (4-2-3-1): Livakovic – Perisic, Gvardiol, Sutalo, Juranovic – Kovacic, Brozovic – Modric, Kramaric, Petkovic – Majer
• Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma – Dimarco, Calafiori, Bastoni, Di Lorenzo – Barella, Jorginho, Frattesi – Pellegrini, Scamacca, Chiesa

Where to Watch Croatia vs Italy Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming

You can watch Croatia vs Italy live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer, including the build-up, match, and reaction. HRT Croatia will show the game live in the country, while Rai 1 Italia will broadcast the game for local Italians.

Prediction: Croatia vs Italy

The form of both teams in Germany points towards an Italian win, with the defending champions escaping the group in style. But we’re not in any rush to ignore the stats and those head-to-head numbers that prove Italy struggles against Croatia.

With a draw likely to send Italy through to the next round, it would come as no surprise to see that famous Italian backline stand firm and secure a share of the spoils against a desperate opponent who knows they must win. Croatia’s determination to score will play into the hands of their opponent.

You can see more Croatia vs Italy tips and predictions on our special page about this game.