The situation in Group B before the last day: the Azzurri are aiming for second place
After Spain–Italy, there is only a partial positive. The Azzurri lost deservedlyThey were outclassed in the game and in the rhythm from the Red Furies, in name and in fact in the evening in Gelsenkirchen. Having suffered one network only it’s a miracle. Indeed, the fruit of several miracles performed by Gianluigi Donnarumma. But the 1-0 defeat (own goal by Calafiori) allows Italy to Spalletti to look forward to the last day of the season with confidence Group B, when he faces the Croatia: Going to the round of 16 is a more than possible mission. There Spain she is already certain of hers first placebut obtaining the second would still allow the Azzurri to have an easy match on paper, against the second-placed team Group A. A rosy prospect, also because the first of the match should also end in that segment of the scoreboard Group Cthat of an England to this day anything but That irresistible. With a win or a draw against the Croatia second place would be certainty for Italy. In case of defeat, however, other scenarios open up, which depend on the outcome of Albania–Spain and from the ranking of better third.
The situation in Group B
1 – Spain 6 points (+4)
2 – Italy 3 points (0)
3 – Albania 1 point (-1)
4 – Croatia 1 point (-3)
Euro 2024 – Groups, live rankings and regulations: who advances to the round of 16
The last day of Group B
Albania-Spain (Merkur Spiel Arena of Düsseldorf) – 24 June, 9pm
Croatia-Italy (Red Bull Arena of Leipzig) – 24 June, 9pm
The program and calendar of the matches: where to see them on TV
What does Italy need to progress to the round of 16 as second
Italy’s fate is entirely in the hands of Spalletti’s team: to progress to the round of 16 as second they must win or draw against Croatia. In case of defeat, however, the only possibility to advance to the round of 16 would be to hope to be one of the 4 best third-placed teams.
The other hypothesis: Italy in the round of 16 as the best third
The Euro 2024 regulation provides that also the 4 best thirds of the 6 groups they will have a place in the round of 16. Obviously, it is a complex scenario to analyze because it also depends on the results of the matches of the other groups. The only certainty is that Italy would then face a team that finished first in their group. With three points and a goal difference in perfect parity to date (2 goals scored and 2 conceded), even with a narrow defeat the Azzurri could hope to move up from the best third. But they should cheer on for the Spain against Albania.
Here are all the possible combinations
-Italy win or draw against Croatia: the blues go second
-Italy loses to Croatia and Albania draws or loses to Spain: the Azzurri are third and can still hope to advance
-Italy loses against Croatia and Albania wins against Spain: the blues go home
