Football: Italy snatch last-gasp draw against Croatia
Equaliser leaves both sides needing a result against Scotland to progress
Mattia Zaccagni's late goal rescued a point for Italy against Croatia in a thrilling Group B encounter on Monday night.
The Azzurri had fallen behind to Nikola Vlasic's first-half strike, but Zaccagni's close-range finish in the 90th minute ensured they will head into their final group game against Scotland with a chance of reaching the knockout stages.
It was a pulsating contest from start to finish, with both sides creating a host of chances. Croatia had the better of the first half and deservedly took the lead when Vlasic fired home from the edge of the box.
Italy responded well in the second half and came close to equalising on several occasions. Domenico Berardi hit the post, while Ciro Immobile had a goal ruled out for offside.
As the clock ticked down, it looked as though Croatia would hold on for the win, but Zaccagni had other ideas. The Lazio winger pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired home from close range to send the Italian fans into raptures.
The result leaves both sides needing a result against Scotland in their final group games to progress to the knockout stages. Italy will be favourites to win, but Croatia will be no pushovers and will be determined to prove that they are not a team to be underestimated.
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