Both teams have had impressive start at EURO 2012, and this match will decide which team is deserved to go to next round.
Croatia's 3-1 victory against Ireland showed that Slaven Bilic's team has a stable performance since the preparation matches for EURO until now. However, 3 points in the first match is not enough to help them advance to quarterfinal, and between Spain and Italy, Croatia is thinking that 3 points from Azzurri is easier compared to the reigning champion.
Putting the poor performance in the friendly matches, Italy totally changed in their match against Spain, and almost grabbed three points from the world's champion. Prandelli's squad was solid in defense and sharp in offense. Facing challenge, Italy showed that they are still a big name in the football world. The battle between Croatia and Italy tonight is truly the clash between performance and class.
Prandelli's team need some big changes as the Spain and Croatia are totally different. Playing against Spain, Italy was defensive as they were the underdog. However against Croatia, they have the upper hand, so 3 points are expected. Meanwhile, Croatia under Bilic is not a team playing defense. The Southern Europe team has always been playing offense even against top teams.
Italy was successful in their encounter with Spain because of Del Bosque's mistake. Until 74 minutes, Spain did not have a real striker. And after the introduction of Torress, Italy might have conceded 1 or 2 goal should Chealse's striker had been better in front of goal post.
Luck will not come twice as Croatia possesses the double Mandzukic and Jelavic. They will put a lot of extra work for Chiellini and Bonucci, because Croatia strikers are famous for their header.
The midfield battle will also be interesting to watch, as Modric heads on with Pirlo, the two famed play-maker in Europe. In the first round, Modric has not been given the deserved attention by Ireland's players, and as a result he was raging havoc for Ireland during the whole 90 minutes. The Juventus and Italy's veteran played beautifully. He set up perfectly for Di Natale in Italy's opener against Spain.
History does not stand on Italy side though, they lost in the last 2 encounters with Croatia in 2002 and 2006.
Our Prediction
Both sides will be going all out for a win so we can expect more goals this time. Our prediction will be a 1 goal difference win for Italy.
Betting Tips
Let's take a look at 36BOL odds for this match:
Asian Handiacp (-) 0.5 Italy looks like an interesting bet with good odds 1.429, while as we expect more goals this time around, we suggest for a over 2.25 at odds 1.064 for this game.
For more odds and markets, visit 36BOL Sportsbook
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