Italy faces uncertainly: "The fate of the Azzurri hangs in the balance"
Title: Italy Faces Tough Battle Against Struggling Croatia in Group Stage Decider
The reigning champions Italy are under pressure as they take on a struggling Croatia in their final group match. A draw is crucial for the Azzurri to progress to the Round of 16. Gianluigi Donnarumma calls for composure.
Italy's title defense appears shaky, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma urges the anxious Azzurri to keep their cool. "Destiny is still in our control, we must not lose our heads," said Donnarumma before the match (9 pm on ZDF and MagentaTV, as well as in the live ticker at ntv.de) in Leipzig against a struggling Croatia, facing a similar predicament.
Following their 0:1 defeat against Spain, the Italian squad is under immense pressure. A draw against Luka Modric and his teammates would secure Italy's progression to the next stage. "The Azzurri's future is at stake," according to "Gazzetta dello Sport" in a passionate appeal.
Donnarumma encouraged the team to draw on their fight and spirit despite the loss to Spain. It is essential to convert our anger into an improved performance against Croatia, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper suggested. We are ready to deliver a completely different performance against Croatia, the Euro 2021 hero added.
"Lesson in soccer matters"
This is necessary, given their performance against Spain. "Gazzetta" deemed the loss a "lesson in soccer matters" and the atmosphere is somber. "Croatia may have more issues than the Azzurri, but respect is due to eternal Modric," wrote "Tuttosport."
Even Roma star Lorenzo Pellegrini cautioned about the veteran Croatians around Luka Modric. "Croatia is a strong team, boasting incredible players," he stated. It is a "team brimming with quality. They will fight tooth and nail for their right to compete in the tournament," wrote "Gazzetta."
It will be close, particularly because Croatia only needs a single point to qualify due to their "golden generation" being condemned to victory. The performances of the "Vatreni" do not inspire confidence, despite Luka Modric's attempts to generate optimism. "It's in our hands. We know what to do. I believe we can pull it off," said the team's captain.
Controversial Young Player as a Potential Game Changer?
The 38-year-old Modric is synonymous with Croatia's successful past, but the fans hardly recognize their team, which could only manage a 2:2 draw against minnows Albania. In Croatia, there is already debate about the aging football during the World Cup third-place finish. Five U-30 players started against Albania.
Meanwhile, Italy is discussing a 23-year-old who could make his Euro debut against the Croatians: Nicola Fagioli. The Juventus Turin player was banned for seven months due to his involvement in a betting scandal but "La Repubblica" reported that he has "emerged from the tunnel." This youngster could be Sarri's secret weapon to secure the title for Italy.
