Italy and Croatia Face Off for the Sixth Time in UEFA EURO

Match Statistics and Highlights

Italy and Croatia will meet for the sixth time in a UEFA EURO match, with each team having won twice and drawn once in their previous encounters. The most recent match between the two sides was a 1-1 draw in the group stage of the 2012 tournament.

Match Summary

Italy took the lead in the 39th minute of the match through a Mario Balotelli goal. Croatia equalized in the 72nd minute through a Nikica Jelavic goal. Both teams had chances to win the match in the remaining minutes, but neither side could find a winning goal.

Italy will now face Spain in the semifinals, while Croatia will face the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals.

Expert Analysis

The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams playing well. Italy had the better chances in the first half, while Croatia was more dangerous in the second half.

Italy's victory was due in large part to the performance of Mario Balotelli, who scored the winning goal and was a constant threat to the Croatian defense.

Conclusion

Italy's victory is a major upset, as Croatia was considered to be one of the favorites to win the tournament. Italy, on the other hand, has now won two matches in a row and is starting to look like a contender for the title.