Croatia vs Italy Prediction: It is a Croatian Nightmare
Italy have a strong hold on second position, however this position may crumble if they find themselves losing to Croatia at this pivotal point of the group stages. It is all to play for when the Italians take on the Croatians.
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Team News
Croatia coach Zlatko Daily will look to make some changes to his team in an effort to secure safe passage to the next round of this season's UEFA Euros. Bruno Petkovic could make way for Ante Budimir up front as the team looks to score more goals. Marcelo Brozovic may see himself dropped for Luka Sucic.
Italy may feel the need to shake up their squad and not go for the same starting line up they named against Spain. Coach Luciano Spalletti may consider starting Stephan El Shaarawy, who has been on the bench on each of Spains last four matches. Bryan Cristante, Mateo Retegui and Matteo Damian are all viable alternatives who can be brought in from the start in this match and pose a fresh threat and add a surprise element to Italy's play.
Croatia Predicted Line-up (4-3-3): Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Sucic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Budimir, Kramaric
Italy Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Darmian, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Fagioli, Barella; Chiesa, Pellegrini, Zaccagni; Retegui
The Odds on Croatia to win this fixture are set at 21/10, 11/5 for a draw and 55/39 for an Italy win. If you would like to have some extra insurance in you bet incase of a late winner or equaliser. the Odds on a Double Chance Home or Draw are set at 53/100, 17/50 for Home or Away and 7/20 for a Draw or Away.
Double Chance - Draw or Away 7/20
Croatia will be eyeing a third place finish as their plan b to qualify for the next round of the this years Euros. To do this they will have to at least secure a draw and hope that Spain can take maximum points against Albania this evening. Italy are sure to progress as the group standings at this moment favour them to go through in second position. A draw for Italy would mean they cement theirs second place finish. A loss for Italy would mean that Croatia will leap frog them and secure a second place finish while Italy's fate would be in the hands of results elsewhere. A draw between these two sides would be a win-win situation for both.
Croatia have not lost to Italy in each of their last four meetings. With each of their last three encounters ending in a one all draw. Croatia is the last team to win this fixture, although this was way back in 2002 when they met in the World Cup of that year. Based on current form, Italy are the team to back, having won one game in the group stages, and having just one loss in their last seven matches. Croatia find themselves struggling in this years Euros but they had a fantastic round of friendlies, registering six wins in a row before the tournament started but failing to win a single match in their last two. What ever is causing their slump in form is very worrisome especially with this match being their last shot at securing progression to the next round of the UEFA Euros.
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