Croatia vs Italy – 12.06.2015
Croatia facing Italy, UEFA European Qualifiers 2016.
Croatia is already 2 points ahead Italy in the group H of UEFA EURO 2016 qualifications, so this would be a good opportunity to add points ahead their opponent.
In the last eight matches the sides have played against each other, Croatia lost only one, won three and draw four, one of those matches was a victory for Croatia in 2002 at FIFA World Cup in Japan.
Italy on the other hand, never won against Croatia since 5 April 1942, when they`ve won with a 4-0 score and it was their first encounter.
In their group, none of the two teams lost any game, till now, but tonight, one of them mnost probably will lose. Till now Croatia recorded four wins and one draw, while Italy won three games and drew twice.
Marco Veratti got injured and left the training camp at Coverciano, aswell Daniele De Rossi, who suffered an injury, will not be present at the encounter tonight against Croatia. Antonio Conte will have to replace Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus players, also forward Simone Zaza(Sassuolo). He seems to have called atacking midfielder Bonventura to join the squad for the match today, as he initially was left on the side for the Friday match in Split.
Italy is currently placed second in the Group H, Croatia on first and Norway on the third place. If Croatia wins the game today will have five points ahead Italy and Conte`s men will be in danger of losing the advantage they have over Norway.
This a match of great importance in deciding who the leader of the group will be, and even if a draw would maybe be acceptable for the sides, we must consider the fact that Norway is chasing the first positions.
Tonight Croatia is hosting the game at Stadio Poljud and is also favourite for this game, considering Italy is playing away and is short of key players, the odds are on Croatia.