Italy Secures Knockout Stage Berth With 1 1 Draw

Croatia and Italy draw in a thrilling Euro 2024 group stage match

Italy secures knockout stage berth with 1-1 draw

Croatia's hopes of advancing remain alive despite 0-1-2 record

Leipzig, Germany - Italy ensured their European Championship title defense would continue into the knockout stage with a 1-1 draw against Croatia in their final Group B match at Leipzig Stadium on Tuesday.

The result leaves Croatia with a 0-1-2 record and needing a win in their last match against Spain to have any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.

Italy, meanwhile, finished atop Group B with a 1-1-1 record and will face the runner-up from Group A in the round of 16.

In a match that lived up to its billing, both teams had chances to win in a back-and-forth affair.

Italy took the lead in the 20th minute when Federico Chiesa fired home a low shot from just outside the area.

Croatia equalized in the 39th minute when Marcelo Brozovic scored a stunning goal from long range.

Both teams continued to push for a winner in the second half, but neither side could find the back of the net.

The draw leaves Croatia's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage hanging in the balance.

They will need to beat Spain in their final match and hope that Italy defeats Albania.