Euro 2024: Last-minute stunner sends Italy to knockouts stage

Luka Modrić’s second-half opening goal nearly sent Croatia through as the runner-up, but Lazio’s winger swept a brilliant shot inside the far post to cap a furious finale from the defending champions.

Italy needed a point to progress, while Croatia realistically needed a win to stay in the tournament. The Croatians have two points from their three games and must wait on other results to see if it’s enough to scrape through as one of the best third-place finishers.

Luciano Spalletti’s Italian squad will now be playing Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday at 18.00 in the knockout stage opening game.

Despite not many goals being scored, the game was quite intense, particularly in the first half, and dominated by stunning saves from both Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Croatia’s Dominik Livaković.

Croatia confirmed being a tough opponent for Italy, as the Azzurri never succeeded in beating them in any major tournament so far.

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Thanks to his goal, Croatia’s 38-year-old captain Luka Modric became the oldest scorer in Euros history.

Croatia were leading Italy 1-0 from the 55th minute after Modric tapped in seconds after seeing his penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Having lost their first match to Spain and held to a draw by Albania in their second game, Croatia was in pole position to finish behind group winners Spain, who were leading Albania 1-0.

Italy had three points, and would advance with a draw, and they got just that at a dying minute through Mattia Zaccagni’s heartbreaking goal.

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Following tonight’s results, England, France and the Netherlands have all gone through to the last 16 without playing.

All three teams are guaranteed at least third spot in their groups and have four points so could not go out