Croatia-Italy, to pass as runners-up Spalletti’s men must at least avoid defeat in a dramatic match against Modric and co.
Outclassed by Spain on the last day of the group stage, Italy is called upon to at least defend second place from the possible onslaught of Croatia, which in the event of a win in the Leipzig direct clash would bypass the Azzurri and slide them to third or fourth place (everything will depend, at that point, on the result of Albania-Spain).
Should they pass as runners-up, Italy in the round of 16 would face Switzerland, who finished behind Germany in Group A. Closing behind Spain and Croatia, on the other hand, will have to wait to see if there are margins to be among the best thirds. Qualification, in short, still hangs in the balance. And the hope is that the lesson suffered against Roja has left no aftermath, especially from a psychological point of view. In Gelsenkirchen, Spain seemed to be on another planet than the Azzurri, in all respects. Spalletti didn’t mince words at the end of the match, admitting the superiority of the Iberians, who were dominant both technically and physically. A reaction is undoubtedly needed against Croatia, capable of winning just one point so far between Spain and Albania. A clear defeat (3-0) in the opener and a draw (2-2) for the selection led by Zlatko
