Krakow (Poland): Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has been warning for months that his team’s toughest match of the European Championship is the one against Croatia.
First because Croatia are an unpredictable opponent that has always created trouble for Italy. And second because the Azzurri always seems to struggle in the second match at major tournaments.
Looking back in the record books, it’s hard to argue with Prandelli entering tomorrow’s game in Poznan.
Italy hasn’t beaten its Mediterranean neighbor in their five meetings since Croatia declared independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, and the Azzurri are also winless in their second match at their last five major tournaments.
What’s more is that Croatia leads Group C after opening with an impressive 3-1 win over Ireland. Italy also was praised after drawing 1-1 with defending champion Spain.
“It’s going to be the decisive match of the group,” Prandelli said. (AP)