Italy's first draw at EURO 2024 secured their fifth consecutive qualification for the knockout stages of the continent's premier competition. In 2008 and 2012, when the tournament featured 16 teams, advancing from the group stage led directly to the quarter-finals. With the expansion to 24 teams, the Round of 16 was introduced. Italy's last group-stage elimination had been in 2004 under Trapattoni, when a draw between Sweden and Denmark knocked them out. The draw in Leipzig marked Italy's 19th in the finals of the European Championship, the most in the tournament's history. Out of 48 matches, Italy have recorded 22 wins (most recently against Albania in Dortmund) and 7 losses (the latest against Spain in Gelsenkirchen). Zaccagni's goal brought Italy's total to 55 goals scored in the competition, while Modric's goal was the 34th conceded.

ZACCAGNI AND DONNARUMMA

The Lazio winger chose the perfect moment to score his first goal for the National team during his seventh appearance. His goal on 97’19’’ in Leipzig, became the latest ever scored by Italy in European Championship history during regular time. Zaccagni became the 14th scorer under Spalletti’s tenure (21 goals in 13 matches, with 7 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses). For Gigio Donnarumma, excluding penalty shootouts, it was his second penalty save within 120 minutes (only Buffon had more, with 5). His first and only penalty save before last night had been against Venezuelan Rondon in a friendly in March. Prior to Modric’s attempt, the last penalty saved by an Italian goalkeeper during regular or extra time in a major international tournament had been by Gianluigi Buffon, against Romania on 13 June 2008, also during the European Championships.

AGAINST CROATIA The draw in Leipzig, considering its significance, felt like a victory for Italy. However, their winless streak against Croatia continued. Italy had only defeated Croatia once in history, a 4-0 friendly win on 5 April 1942. In the nine encounters since then, Croatia had won three times and drawn six, with the last four (and five in total) ending 1-1. Luka Modric scored his second goal against Italy, having previously netted against them in a friendly in August 2006 in Livorno. At 38 years and 289 days old, the Croatian superstar became the oldest goalscorer in the history of the European Championship finals when he scored past Donnarumma shortly after missing a penalty. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Austrian Ivica Vastic (Austria-Poland 1-1, EURO 2008, 38 years and 257 days).

APPEARANCES Federico Chiesa reached the milestone of 50 appearances for the Azzurri in the match against Croatia. Matteo Darmian, who was in the starting lineup selected by Coach Spalletti, reached 45 caps. Leading the squad of 26 was Donnarumma with 65 appearances. Additionally, Donnarumma had become the youngest goalkeeper to reach 10 appearances in the final stages of the EUROs (at 25 years and 120 days), surpassing Rui Patricio, Courtois, Lloris, and Cech. Jorginho equalled the records of Gilardino, Immobile, Pippo Inzaghi, and Panucci with 57 caps. Meanwhile, Barella had matched Roberto Baggio with 56 appearances.