Group B action wraps up Monday and the crucial match of the day will take place between Croatia and Italy. Neither side has officially clinched a position in the knockout round, though Italy is more likely to go through automatically as it needs a win or draw to do so. Croatia needs other results with a win, while a draw likely isn’t good enough in a comparison with other third-place teams in the tiebreaker. A draw combined with an Albania win over Spain would send Croatia home. A Croatia win would mean trouble for Italy, as the reigning holders would then need to win a tiebreaker among third-place teams to advance.
Here’s what you need to know for the match, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Croatia v. Italy
Date: Monday, June 24
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV channel: Fox
Livestream: fuboTV, Foxsports.com
Moneyline odds
Croatia: +210
Draw: +210
Italy: +145
Moneyline pick: Draw +210
Both teams looked underwhelming against Spain, who has shown itself to be the class of the group. Croatia were completely outmatched in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Spaniards, while the Italians were fortunate to only lose 1-0 thanks to the brilliance of Gianluigi Donnarumma. These sides haven’t met for a long time in international play, adding to the intrigue of this clash.
There are no major injury concerns for either side heading into the contest, and it’s unlikely we see any changes in the starting XI for both teams.
Croatia does have more experience overall and has been in these spots before, but Italy has more history as a winning soccer nation and matches up well for the given scenario. Croatia likely cannot afford a draw, meaning it will push forward heavily to try to gain a lead quick. Italy, however, is excellent at absorbing pressure and creating chances on counterattacks. As we saw in the Spain game, that’s not a spot Croatia wants to be in. Italy knows it will be fine with a draw, and I think that’s ultimately what happens in this game.