After both having been outplayed by Spain, Croatia and Italy face each other in their final Group B match of EURO 2024. Dubbed the ‘Group of Death,’ this group includes the EURO 2020 winners, a two-time EURO champion, and the 2018 World Cup finalists, along with Albania, who have played a significant role. Italy conceded the fastest-ever EURO goal against Albania, while Croatia was stunned by a 94th-minute equalizer.
Italy has a history of early goals conceded, like in the EURO 2020 final. Despite eventually beating Albania, Italy struggled against Spain, showing a lackluster performance. In contrast, Croatia created many chances but failed to secure a win against Spain.
Statistically, Croatia has been unlucky, with a negative expected goals (xG) and expected goals against (xGA) performance, leading their group in shots and xG but sitting at the bottom of the table. Italy’s main issue is their offense, as their goals have come from defenders and midfielders, not strikers. This problem has persisted, with only two of their 15 EURO goals since 2020 scored by strikers.
Italy’s best performers at EURO 2024 include Riccardo Calafiori, who shined against Albania but scored an own goal against Spain, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose saves kept Italy in the match against Spain.
For Croatia, key players like Mateo Kovacic and Andrej Kramaric have shown strong individual performances but have struggled to convert chances. Bruno Petkovic and Ivan Perisic have good xG and expected assists (xA) stats but have not translated these into goals or assists.
The upcoming match is crucial: Italy will likely advance with a draw if Albania doesn’t beat Spain, while Croatia needs a win to avoid their first group stage elimination since 2012. The outcome will determine who survives the Group of Death.
Source: ghmediahub
