Mattia Zaccagni came up with the greatest moment of his career after scoring off the bench deep into added time in order to ensure that the reigning European champions have made it into the Euro 2024 knockouts.
Luka Modric handed Croatia the lead and it looked like it was all over for the Italians before a moment of brilliance from Zaccagni totally turned the qualification scenario on its head. Here’s a look at Croatia vs Italy Player Ratings!
Italy National Football Team Player Ratings vs Croatia
GOALKEEPER
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8
A world class performance from the PSG man. Saved Luka Modric’s penalty and thwarted other dangerous Croatian attacks throughout the match
DEFENDERS
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7
After a slow start to Euro 2024, Di Lorenzo finally looked at his best in this game! He did well in defence as well as in attacking build-ups!
Alessandro Bastoni – 7.5
Didn’t put a foot wrong tonight! Also made a game-saving challenge to beat Ante Budimir, which would have handed the Croats the lead!
Riccardo Calafiori – 7.5
Truly the find of the tournament!, Calafiori was once again at his imperious best and managed every challenge the Croatian team threw at him!
Matteo Darmian – 6.5
Playing on the left meant playing him out of possession, he struggled some times but was decent overall!
MIDFIELDERS
Jorginho – 6.5
After a poor first half, Jorginho found himself in the second half and came up with a decent performance until he was substituted in the 81st minute
Nicolo Barella – 7.5
He truly is the heartbeat of this Italian team. Against Croatia, we saw Barella’s natural game-making ability in full flow!
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 5
Was substituted at half-time after being absolutely ineffective in the first half!
Federico DiMarco – 5.5
Playing him as a winger didn’t make much sense. Was really ineffective when Italy were trying to play on the counter
FORWARDS
Giacomo Raspadori – 6.5
Showcased everything brilliantly, except an end product!
Mateo Retegui – 6.5
Fought for every ball, considering delivery from Italy was poor for most part of the game
SUBSTITUTES
Davide Frattesi – 6
Federico Chiesa – 6.5
Gianluca Scamacca – 6
Nicolo Fagioli – 5
Mattia Zaccagni – 7.5
MANAGER
Luciano Spalletti – 6.5
Croatia National Football Team Player Ratings vs Italy
GOALKEEPER
Dominik Livakovic – 7.5
Made two crucial saves, unfortunately couldn’t do much about Italy’s goal!
DEFENDERS
Josko Gvardiol – 7
With two clearances, eight recoveries and nine crucial defensive actions, Gvardiol showcased his quality as he gave very little for the Italians to feast on.
Marin Pongracic – 6.5
The Lecce centre-back made a total of 12 defensive involvements in the game, with two blocks, six clearances and three headed clearances in what was a busy outing for him.
Josip Sutalo – 7
Provided three accurate long balls which led to Croatian attacks in the Italian box. Was effective in switching play throughout the game!
Josip Stanisic – 8
Pick of the defenders! Stanisic was not only impressive in containing Italian attacks from the right side, he also ensured full participation in Croatian attacks with 88 touches in Italy’s half!
MIDFIELDERS
Luka Modric – 7.5
Missed a penalty, but had the mental determination to get a goal for his country just moments later! Truly a legend!
Marcelo Brozović – 7
Was involved in breaking Italy’s attempts at impeding Croatia from the middle of the park, helped bridge the gap between his team’s defence and midfield
Mateo Kovacic – 6.5
Was hooked of at 70 minutes, but till then, he provided Croatia with immense stability, winning 100% of his tackles!
FORWARDS
Mario Pasalic – 5.5
Poor on the night. Hooked off at half-time by the coach!
Andrej Kramaric – 6.5
Just had one shot in the game, but was decent in helping Croatia build up attacks on Italy’s defence. Dropped deep to assist his team in defence too.
Luka Susic – 7
The pick of the forward line, Luka Susic played 70 minutes, but showcased aggression and passion to go against tough Italian defenders. Kept Bastoni busy for most of the time!
SUBSTITUTES
Ante Budimir – 6.3
Ivan Perisic – 6.3
Luka Ivanusec – 6
Lovro Majer – 6
Josip Juranovic – N/A
MANAGER
Zlatko Dalic – 6