What do you need to know?
Both head coaches Dalic and Luciano Spalletti have plenty to consider heading into this crucial matchday three fixture. Croatia currently have just one point and are in a 2-2 draw with Albania after a win over Spain in Group B. Their once-solid backline has been breached five times and a positive result at Leipzig will require a strong defensive foundation.
Italy were also taken aback by Albania in their opening game – conceding a goal in 23 seconds – before recovering to win 2-1, although the defending champions were unable to find a way to cope in their next game against Spain. Only one team has managed to defend their European Championship title, but the minimum expectation for Italy is to reach the knockout stages and they still have work to do. The same is true for Croatia.
Projected starting lineup
Croatia Team:
Livakovic; Starisic, Shutalo, Ellic, Gvardiol; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Pasalic, Sučić, Kramaric; Budimir
If you are booked again, you will miss the next game: Ivocic
Team Italy:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Cristante, Jorginho; Barella, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Retegui
If he is booked again, he will miss the next game: Calafiori, Cristante, Donnarumma, Pellegrini
Recent status
Croatia: Recent form (all games, recent priority): Draw, loss, win, win, win, draw
Italy: Recent form (all games, recent priority): loss, win, win, draw, win, win
Expert opinion
Elver Islamović is a Croatian journalist
Croatia was able to get out of it in more difficult circumstances. Their slogan – "The best in the toughest times" – is very apt. In the first two games, although the form was not very good, the performance improved in the second half. Dalic will certainly make some changes that could rest Marcelo Brozovic, drop Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic back and put the talented Luka Sucic in front of them. Dalic must find a way; In difficult situations, he is usually able to do it.
Paolo Menicucci is an Italian journalist
After a positive start against Albania, the defending champions were beaten back to reality by Spain. Spalletti is expected to make some changes to the starting line-up, but the most important thing is that he will have to work on the mental side of the players, as Azzurri was too frustrated against Spain. Harboring the fear of elimination against Croatia can be a huge mistake. Italy can certainly do better than in Gelsenkirchen.
Statements from the manager
Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic:
"We didn't start this tournament very well. We're not there yet. We concede goals too easily. During Qatar (World Cup 2022) we conceded just one goal in the group stage and now we have conceded five goals in two games. Ivan Perisic also hasn't been at his best in Qatar either. Some of the players are two years older and we have strong opponents. But I think the main problem is that we concede goals too easily. ”
Italian coach Luciano Spalletti: "Croatia is not only a great team, but also very experienced. We have to be on our toes at all times and judge when to pick up the tempo and when to calm down and control possession. I didn't make some adjustments between the first and second races, which was a mistake. So this time, I think I need to make some changes. ”