In the final group stage match of UEFA EURO 2024, Croatia and Italy face off in a thrilling and decisive encounter. Italy, displaying strong form throughout the tournament, is up against a struggling Croatia that has had a more uneven journey. This match, scheduled for 24th June 2024 at 21:00, promises to be intense with high stakes for both teams. More than just three points are on the line; securing a spot in the knockout stages and boosting the teams’ confidence for upcoming challenges are crucial.

Croatia

Croatia has had a mixed performance during the group stage of UEFA EURO 2024. They began with a 0-1 loss to Scotland, followed by a 1-1 draw against England, and a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic. Despite showing offensive capability, their defence has been shaky, making them vulnerable against strong teams like Italy. Croatia has struggled to keep pace with their opponents, resulting in varied performances.

Italy

Italy has delivered an impressive performance in the group stage, securing a 2-0 victory over Hungary, a 1-0 win against Romania, and a 2-1 triumph over France. Italy’s strong defence and efficient attacking play have been key to their success. The team has shown an ability to control matches and shut down opponents’ chances, making them a formidable opponent for Croatia.

Betting Rationale

Betting on Italy to win by at least two goals against Croatia is a well-founded tip for several reasons:

Italy’s Defensive Strength: Italy has demonstrated an impressive ability to keep clean sheets during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage. With only one goal conceded in three matches, their defence has been one of the strongest in the tournament. Led by veteran Leonardo Bonucci and young star Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, Italy has shown both discipline and tactical skill. Their defensive stability makes it extremely difficult for opponents to create dangerous opportunities, which has been crucial to their success so far.

Croatia’s Defensive Insecurities: Croatia has had significant problems handling strong attacking teams during the tournament. Their defence has been vulnerable, as seen in their 0-1 loss to Scotland and 1-1 draw with England. Croatia’s inability to maintain defensive cohesion against high-pressing and fast-transitioning teams makes them an ideal opponent for an offensively strong Italy. This increases the likelihood that Italy can exploit these weaknesses and score multiple goals.

Italy’s Momentum and Motivation: Italy enters this match with great confidence after securing victories against Hungary (2-0), Romania (1-0), and France (2-1). Their successes have built strong momentum that they are likely to want to maintain and build upon heading into the knockout stages. Coach Roberto Mancini has emphasized the importance of continuing to perform at a high level to keep team morale and confidence high. Italy’s strong team spirit and motivation to finish the group stage on top make them a dangerous team to face at this stage.

Statistical Support: Historically, Italy has shown an ability to win by multiple goals against strong opponents, especially when they are in good form. Their performances in previous matches during the tournament support this bet. Additionally, Italy has a strong goal-scoring record, often outscoring their opponents in crucial matches. This statistic, combined with their current form, makes it likely that they can win by at least two goals against Croatia.

Considering these factors, betting on Italy to win by at least two goals is a valuable bet with good chances of success. Italy’s strong defence, Croatia’s defensive weaknesses, and Italy’s momentum make this a very likely outcome.