Italy snatch late draw with Croatia to reach Euro 2024 last 16

Mattia Zaccagni's incredible last-gasp goal on Monday night sent Italy into the Euro 2024 knockout stages with a 1-1 draw against Croatia in a tense Group B match.

While Croatia is almost eliminated but may yet advance pending other results later in the week, Italy advances in second place behind champions Spain and will play Switzerland in the round of sixteen.

Though it seems doubtful, Zlatko Dalic's club with only two points may make it into one of the four best third-place teams.

With his goal after 55 minutes—just 33 seconds after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved the 38-year-old's penalty—Croatia midfielder Luka Modric became the oldest goalscorer in competitive history.

Though it seemed to be enough for his squad, Zaccagni sent Italy through in the 98th minute with a stunning breakaway goal into the top corner.

Dalic decided to strengthen the midfield by bringing in Mario Pasalic and Luka Sucic among four changes after the team scored five goals in the opening two games.

Despite their problems in the 3-0 loss against Spain and the 2-2 draw against tiny Albania, the coach still maintained the established trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic.

Luciano Spalletti switched to a 3-5-2 formation after Italy defeated Albania 2-1, dropping Juventus' Federico Chiesa as his team lost 1-0 to Spain.

Knowing a draw would advance them to second place behind group winners Spain, Croatia controlled the early going against a conservative Italy team.

A powerful strike from range by 21-year-old RB Salzburg midfielder Sucic caused Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma to make a fantastic early save on his tournament debut.

As early as the 20th minute, when Azzurri striker Mateo Retegui's header narrowly missed the goal on a rare foray forward, the two-time champions were content to slow down the game and waste time at corners and throw-ins.

Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic denied Alessandro Bastoni after Nicolo Barella's enticing cross, as the holders took control without taking any chances.

For the second half, Dalic—who led Croatia to the World Cup final and semifinals in 2018 and 2022, respectively—sent on strong attacker Ante Budimir.

It gave his squad a focal point, making them look more dangerous right away and quickly earning their reward.

Croatia received a penalty after a VAR review and an intervention by Davide Frattesi, Italy's replacement.

Real Madrid midfielder Modric made a strong attempt that Donnarumma clawed away, but 33 seconds later, the veteran was unstoppable.

Croatia maintained pressure, and the Italian goalie produced another excellent stop from Budimir before Modric blasted home the rebound from close range.

By 32 days, he broke the record for the oldest European goalscorer, which Austrian Ivica Vastic had established in 2008.

With ten minutes remaining, Modric was substituted, and even some Italy fans gave the playmaker a standing ovation as they watched the clock anxiously.

Croatia felt they had made headway, but in the eighth and last minute of stoppage time, Zaccagni crushed their hearts.

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