Italy secures spot in last 16 at Euro 2024 with late Zaccagni goal

In a dramatic turn of events, Italy secured a spot in the knockout stage of the European Championship after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Croatia in Leipzig, Germany. The match seemed to be heading in Croatia's favor after Luka Modric's second-half goal, but Italy's Mattia Zaccagni scored a stunning last-minute equalizer to ensure Italy's advancement. Croatia's coach, Zlatko Dalic, expressed frustration over the extended added time, believing it was excessive and questioning the fairness of the outcome. Despite the draw, Croatia finds themselves with two points from three games, relying on other results to potentially progress as one of the best third-place finishers. Italy's coach, Luciano Spalletti, acknowledged his team's performance, noting areas for improvement but ultimately satisfied with the result. Modric's goal, making him the oldest goal-scorer in the tournament's history, added to the intensity of the match, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and missed opportunities. The match showcased Croatia's resilience and Italy's determination, with both teams pushing for a decisive victory. Croatia's spirited second-half performance, highlighted by Modric's goal and passionate fan celebrations, kept the pressure on Italy until the final moments. Italy, on the other hand, faced challenges in breaking down Croatia's defense and will need to elevate their game to overcome Switzerland in their upcoming match. As the tournament progresses, Croatia faces an uncertain future, with slim chances of advancing unless multiple results align in their favor. Modric's exceptional performance and leadership on the field have been instrumental for Croatia, leaving a lasting impact on the team's prospects. The match's intensity and unpredictability underscore the competitive nature of the European Championship, setting the stage for further thrilling encounters as teams vie for glory on the international stage.