History warns Italy against Croatia

The reigning Euro champions have won just one of their nine meetings with Croatia - the opponents they will face again in next year's finals.

Italy's only win over Croatia was a 4-0 friendly in April 1942. Of the other eight meetings, Croatia have won three and drawn five. The last three matches have all ended in 1-1 draws, including the Euro 2012 group stage and two Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Croatia drew 1-1 with Italy in the group stage of Euro 2012, in Poland. Photo: Reuters — Croatia drew 1-1 with Italy in the group stage of Euro 2012, in Poland. Photo: *Reuters*

Meanwhile, Italy have met Spain 41 times. Spain won 13, drew 16, and Italy won 11.

Spain have faced Italy in each of the last four Euro finals. In 2008, Spain won 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the quarter-finals. Four years later, the two teams drew 1-1 in the group stage and Spain won 4-0 in the final. But then Italy started to dominate. In 2016, Italy won 2-0 in the round of 16. In 2021, former coach Roberto Mancini's team won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the semi-finals.

Spain and Italy also met in the 2021 and 2023 Nations League semi-finals, with the Spanish team winning 2-1 both times.

Italy’s record against Albania has been better. Italy have won all four meetings, scoring seven goals and conceding just one. In their most recent meeting, a friendly in November 2022, Italy beat Albania 3-1.

In the qualifying round, Spain and Albania topped Group A and E. Meanwhile, Italy and Croatia finished second in Group C and D. The Euro 2024 finals will take place from June 14 to July 14 next year, in Germany.

Thanh Quy (according to FI )

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