It is not by coincidence that Group B was labelled the ‘Group of Death’ in the ongoing European Championship. Three out of four teams in it belong to nothing but European football’s creme de la creme: the current Euros winners (Italy), the World Cup bronze medalists (Croatia), and the Nations League winners (Spain).However, as things stand, one of those teams may leave the competition in Germany too soon, after the group stage. The last round of the preliminary phase will provide us with all the necessary answers as Italy face Croatia while Spain play against Albania to decide who progresses to the knockout stage and in which position.Croatia and Italy are set to clash tonight at 10pm in a crucial ‘Group of Death’ decider. The Azzurri, currently in 2nd place in Group B, need only a draw to secure their place in the last 16. Croatia, on the other hand, sit at the bottom of the group and must win and hope that… pic.twitter.com/BhAHOvnRaX— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) June 24, 2024 The Spaniards are comfortable at the top of the lot with all six points out of two games. Moreover, they should roll over Silvinho’s Albania easily, thus confirming they’re the top contender for the title.However, it’s the other battle of the night (10 pm) that attracts the attention of the crowd around the world. Croats – led by impeccable but seemingly tired Luka Modric – are with their backs to the wall, with just a single point to their account at the moment, and they must defeat the defending champions to reach the 1/8 finals.##NAJAVA_MECA_8173426##Their counterparts, Gli Azzurri, are in a slightly better position as a draw should be enough for them to secure the runners-up spot. Even if they lose, and Spain beat Albania – which should happen – Luciano Spalletti’s boys will advance to the next round thanks to that opening, hard-fought win over Albania. But what if… They don’t even want to imagine that horror, the Italians.Still, the tension is almost palpable, especially among the Italian press, which leaves no dilemma about the importance of tonight’s clash for the holders.The most popular newspapers are full of analysis and predictions ahead of the battle against Modric and his teammates, calling for unity and support for the pale Azzurri.Old Master has his word on Italy: “Gap between Spaniards and us is huge”When it comes to the starting XI, Mateo Retegui is the favourite over Gianluca Scamacca in the attacking line, while Giovanni Di Lorenzo is also expected to find himself in the squad.Federico Dimarco trained separately from the rest of the team on Saturday and Sunday, but Spalletti said at a pre-match press conference that the Inter’s defender is fit again. Nevertheless, his Inter teammate Matteo Darmian has the most chances to start as a left-back.”They only need one point and we will try not to let them do that by being calm and not getting nervous. Anything is possible and we are ready,” Croatian boss Zlatko Dalic said ahead of the game:”In my opinion, we didn’t see the ‘real’ Italy in that match against Spain. I didn’t expect it and they probably didn’t expect it either. But that’s not the real Italy, definitely not,” concluded he.EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GROUP STAGESunday Switzerland – Germany 1-1 (1-0)/Ndoye 28 – Fullkrug 93/Scotland – Hungary 0-1 (0-0)/Csoboth 90+10/Monday 22.00: (7.50) Albania (4.40) Spain (1.45)22.00: (3.05) Croatia (3.45) Italy (2.45)Tuesday 19.00: (2.30) Netherlands (3.45) Austria (3.30)19.00: (1.33) France (5.70) Poland (10.5)22.00: (1.42) England (4.70) Slovenia (9.00)22.00: (2.30) Denmark (3.45) Serbia (3.50)Wednesday 19.00: (3.30) Slovakia (2.05) Romania (3.85)19.00: (5.60) Ukraine (3.90) Belgium (1.70)22.00: (7.80) Georgia (5.20) Portugal (1.43)22.00: (2.65) Czech R. (3.40) Turkey (2.80)***odds are subject to change***
