Zaccagni's Late Goal Rescues Italy in Euro 2024 Thriller

Defending champions Italy avoided a shock exit from Euro 2024 on Monday as Mattia Zaccagni scored a dramatic equalizer to snatch a 1-1 draw with Croatia in the eighth minute of injury time.

Mattia Zaccagni's late strike sent shockwaves through Euro 2024 as defending champions Italy defied elimination with a stunning 1-1 draw against Croatia in the eighth minute of injury time.

The 2022 World Cup bronze medalists looked destined to crash out of the tournament after Luka Modric netted the tournament's oldest goal in the 56th minute. However, Zaccagni's clinical finish capped off a rapid counterattack, breaking Croatian hearts and turning Group B on its head.

Zaccagni's Late Goal Rescues Italy in Euro 2024 Thriller

Italy's late surge kept their hopes of retaining their title alive, setting up a Round of 16 clash against Switzerland on June 29. With Spain having already secured top spot, Italy's second-place finish averted a humiliating early exit for the 2021 champions.

Croatia's two points from Group B leaves them facing an uphill battle to advance as one of the best third-place finishers. The 2018 World Cup finalists now require a miracle to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Albania's hopes of reaching the knockout stage were extinguished after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Dusseldorf. Ferran Torres' goal condemned Albania to the bottom of the group, while Spain sailed through as group winners.

Monday's drama followed a wild ride in Group A on Sunday, where Germany and Hungary both secured qualification thanks to injury-time strikes. The tournament has already witnessed a series of dramatic finishes, showcasing the relentless intensity and unpredictability of international football.

Italy will draw immense confidence from their late equalizer, while Croatia must now regroup and hope for a favorable set of results elsewhere. The knockout stage promises to deliver even more high-stakes drama and nail-biting finishes as Europe's elite teams battle for continental glory.