Football News Update: Zaccagni’s Last-Minute Winner Keeps Italy’s Euro 2024 Defense Alive
In a thrilling conclusion to the Group Stage of Euro 2024, Italy’s Mattia Zaccagni came off the bench to score a dramatic, last-gasp goal that secured a 1-1 draw against Croatia and kept the defending champions’ title defense alive.
Zaccagni’s Late Strike Cancels Out Modric’s Opener
The Lazio winger’s sublime finish in the 98th minute of the clash in Leipzig cancelled out Luka Modric’s opener, which had come just moments after the Croatian legend had seen his penalty saved by the brilliant Gigi Donnarumma.
Croatia Eliminated, Italy Advance to Round of 16
The result effectively eliminates Croatia from the tournament, as Zlatko Dalić’s men finish with just two points in their group, leaving them with next-to-no hope of progressing as one of the third-place finishers.
Italy, on the other hand, have booked their place in the Round of 16, where they will look to continue their quest to retain the European Championship title they won in 2020.
GOAL’s Player Ratings
“GOAL’s player ratings for the Italy squad who kept their title defense alive with that late, late drama:”
- Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8/10
- Giorgio Chiellini – 7/10
- Leonardo Bonucci – 7/10
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7/10
- Nicolò Barella – 7/10
- Jorginho – 6/10
- Marco Verratti – 7/10
- Federico Chiesa – 6/10
- Ciro Immobile – 6/10
- Matteo Politano – 6/10
- Substitutes:
- Mattia Zaccagni – 9/10 (Match Winner)
🔗 Source