After having conceded a last-gasp equalizer against Albania, Croatia now must defeat the defending EURO champions Italy, to advance to the Round of 16 of this year’s continental tournament. Anything less than a win would send the Vatreni home after a group stage of a major tournament for the first time in a decade. Last Word on Football brings you our Croatia-predicted lineup for the Italy match.
Croatia Predicted Lineup vs Italy
How Croatia Have Lined Up Recently
Against Albania, Croatia lined up as follows: Dominik Livakovic in goal. Josip Juranovic and Ivan Perisic started as offensive-minded fullbacks, while Josip Sutalo was the centre-back alongside Josko Gvardiol.
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Meanwhile, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic were the much-heralded but again largely ineffectual starting midfield trio, as Lovro Majer, Bruno Petkovic, as well as Andrej Kramaric made up the front three.
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Compared to the opening loss to Spain, Juranovic, Perisic, and Petkovic were in for Marin Pongracic, Josip Stanisic, and Ante Budimir.
Croatia Recent Form and Tactics
Having started the tournament with a defeat and a draw, Croatia must win at all costs. To do so, they have to defend better and be more ruthless in attack. As we hinted at above, the midfield line must regain its control over Croatia’s play as well. All this may sound simplistic, but all areas of the pitch must indeed improve, for Croatia to beat Italy.
Croatia Injuries to Consider
Nikola Vlasic has left the Croatian camp due to a muscular injury that will keep him out for the rest of the tournament. Besides that, all other players participated in Friday’s training session.
Croatia Predicted Lineup vs Italy
Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Perisic, Modric, Kovacic; Pasalic, Sucic, Kramaric, Budimir.
