A decisive and unexpected goal: Italy qualified for the Euro 2024 round of 16 thanks to Mattia Zaccagni’s feat in the 98th minute of the match challenge with Croatia. But Riccardo Calafiori had a hand in the action that led to the equalizer for Luciano Spalletti’s Azzurri, with the 22-year-old Roman capable of inspiring the Lazio player’s action.
Calafiori or Zaccagni: who is the hero?
The next day is that of detailed analyses, the search for who made a mistake, the discussion of choices by Luciano Spalletti. But Italy-Crozia, the next day, is above all the day to choose the hero. Who saved the Azzurri from what could have been a sensational elimination (even if the possibility of qualifying among the best third parties was still open).
A merit that should be shared almost halfway between Riccardo Calafiori who in the decisive moment and with a splendid move from the defense served a perfect assist to Mattia Zaccagni. But also the right-footed shot Lazi playeror it cannot be underestimated.
Adani’s video sparks controversy
He also tries to talk about Italy’s “salvation” goal Daniele Adani. The Rai commentator praises Riccardo Calafiori in a video circulating on social media which shows him at a petrol pump: “When Calafiori receives the ball and starts with this interlocutory run, at a certain point he exchanges with Frattesi, but the great player moves forward and doesn’t throw the ball. He tightens Croatia’s defense and with his right foot split he gives it to Taccagni, who is here and just has to wait for the ball, calmly and put it in. But the play of champions is Calafiori’s”.
The fans supporting Zaccagni
Many are attacking Adani, guilty of underestimate Zaccagni’s shot: “If Adani was there instead of Calafiori, that play didn’t come due to technical limitations. If there was someone else in Zaccagni’s place, that ball would have gone round the corner and by now everyone would be cheering for a third place in the repechage”. It’s still: “If he had done 2% of what he says in his career he would have won the Ballon d’Or”. It’s still: “For many Zaccagni just owed it push. I’ve been hearing this thing on television since yesterday, simply incompetent”.
