Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic prepares drastic formation changes for the upcoming ‘do or die’ Euro 2024 encounter against Italy. As two points separate the teams ahead of Monday’s kick-off, the math’s simple for the 2022 World Cup bronze medalists.
Anything other than a win would see Croatia eliminated from the tournament after picking up just one point in the opening two rounds. After Spain trounced them 3-0 in a curtain-raising Group B fixture, Dalic’s side conceded a heartbreaking stoppage-time equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Albania.
As a result, they must beat Italy on matchday three to secure knockout qualification. Aware of his men’s underwhelming showings, Dalic is ready to reshuffle the deck. With no margin for error, the Blazers couldn’t have hoped to face a sterner test.
Reigning European champions Italy might have dropped the ball against Spain, but they remain in the driver’s seat to lock down a runner-up spot in the so-called group of death. Croatia will try to surprise Luciano Spalletti’s men by making a few changes to their starting XI.
According to Sky Sport Italia, former Serie A stars Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic could fall victim to Dallic’s new tactical ideas. Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic is in pole position to replace the former Inter midfielder, while Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol could return to the left-back.
Like Croatia, Italy will take the field with a changed lineup following a dreadful performance against the Spaniards. With Gvardiol back on the flank, Spalletti will need a pacey winger to beat one of the tournament’s best defenders.
That paints a bleak picture for Juventus underperformer Federico Chiesa, who fluffed his lines against Spain time and time again. There’s a chance Italy could rely on Raoul Bellanova’s bursting runs down the right-hand side to gain the upper hand on Gvardiol.
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