Euro 2024: Italy Secures Dramatic Last-Gasp Qualification for Knockout Stages

Tuesday 25 June 2024 - 07:40

In a thrilling encounter at Leipzig's Red Bull Arena, the reigning European champions Italy secured their passage to the Euro 2024 knockout stages with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Croatia.

The match unfolded as a gripping tactical battle, with both sides displaying the grit and resilience that have become hallmarks of their respective campaigns. Croatia, led by the evergreen Luka Modric, drew first blood in the 55th minute courtesy of a calmly taken penalty kick, after Gianluigi Donnarumma had initially denied the midfield maestro from the spot.

Facing adversity, Italy mounted a determined response, and their persistence was rewarded deep into stoppage time. Mattia Zaccagni's emphatic strike in the 98th minute rippled the Croatian net, sparking jubilant scenes among the Azzurri faithful.

The hard-earned point sees Italy claim the second spot in Group B, setting up a tantalizing round-of-16 clash with Switzerland. Meanwhile, Croatia finds themselves agonizingly eliminated, with their two-point tally leaving them clinging to the faintest hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.

In other group action, pre-tournament favorites Spain maintained their perfect record with a 1-0 victory over a resilient Albania side in Düsseldorf. This result ultimately dashed Albania's dreams of advancing to the knockout stages.

As the Euro 2024 storylines continue to unfold, Italy's dramatic late strike has undoubtedly written one of the tournament's most captivating chapters so far, setting the stage for further enthralling encounters as the quest for continental supremacy intensifies.