Croatia head into this
clash as leaders of the group, after dismissing the Republic of Ireland by a
scoreline of 3-1. Mario Mandzukic grabbed two goals, while Nikica Jelavic
continued his scintillating form at club level by scoring the other. The clean
sheet was marred by Vedran Corluka allowing Sean St Ledger to nod home an
inswinging free-kick at the far post. Despite this, the Croatian defence did
not allow the Irish to have too many shots on goal.
Team News
Slaven Bilic is
expected to keep the same starting XI that started against the Republic of
Ireland, with Nikica Jelavic and Mario Mandzukic providing firepower up front.
With the Croatians
likely to field a 4-4-2, Italy could look to keep their 3-5-2 formation in
order to have an extra man covering the two Croatian strikers. Mario Balotelli
could look set to lose his place in the starting line-up after being
substituted against Spain. His replacement, Antonio Di Natale, scored upon
arrival on the field.
Key Battle
Croatia were able to
retain the ball very well in midfield against Ireland, but will find it more
difficult against the opposition central midfield three. As far as Italy are
concerned, they want to stop Modric from spreading the play out wide to their
wingers – Rakitic and Perisic. The Latter got forward well in the last game,
and had some very good efforts on goal. Marchisio and Motta will look to
nullify Modric, enabling Pirlo to have more time on the ball to influence play
going forward. I think that possesion will be rather even in this encounter,
with Italy will looking to deny Croatia space in the final third. Modric will
be in for a long night, but English-based players are used to being targeted in
big games like this.
Probable Line-ups
Italy: Buffon,
Bonucci, De Rossi, Chiellini, Maggio, Motta, Pirlo, Marchisio,
Giaccherini, Cassano, Di Natale
Croatia: Pletikosa,
Srna, Corluka, Schildenfeld, Strinic, Vukojevic, Rakitic, Modric, Perisic, Mandzukic,
Jelavic
Municipal Stadium, Poznan
Kick-off: 5PM on BBC1 & BBC1 HD
Referee: Howard Webb (England)
Like two rams clashing
horns, Italy’s fabled defence meets a potent attacking team in Croatia. I think
both teams will score in this encounter, but with Italy’s experience in International
competitions reigning supreme. Watch out for the ability of Vedran Corluka to
handle the two Italian strikers in an unfamiliar centre-back role.
Italy to win 2-1
Italy to win 2-1