Heartbreak and ecstasy were on full display in one of the most thrilling finishes we’ll likely see during this year’s Euro 2024.
Defending champion Italy was heavily favored to advance to the knockout round at -700 entering the tournament. However, its hopes appeared to be on the brink as it trailed late to Croatia in the final game of group play.
Instead, Italy is moving on after Mattia Zaccagni scored a miraculous goal in the 98th minute. It was his first career goal for the Italian national team, and one that will long be remembered.
Zaccagni took a feed from Riccardo Calafiori as he cut toward the box from the left side. He unleashed a one-timer from his right foot that bent around Croatian goaltender Dominik Livaković, setting off a massive celebration on the pitch. The referee immediately blew the whistle on the ensuing kickoff as Croatia’s players fell to the ground in disbelief.
Croatia was -330 to advance from Group B entering the tournament, and it still has a chance to move on if it finishes as one of the four best third-placed finishers. Croatia ended group play with two points, drawing a pair of games against Italy and Albania while falling to Group B champion Spain.
Meanwhile, Italy will face Switzerland, which finished second in Group A behind Germany. Italy is favored to win at +120 while Switzerland is +250 and a tie is +220 at FanDuel.
