Mattia Zaccagni broke Croatia's hearts with a 98th-minute equalizer to send Italy into the last 16 of Euro 2024 and leave their opponents on the brink of elimination.
Luka Modric's dramatic opener looked set to send Croatia into a knockout, but instead Italy will face Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday after finishing second in Group B behind Spain in stunning scenes in Leipzig.
Croatia, just two points away, conceded a stoppage-time equalizer to Albania and now England must beat Slovenia by at least three goals to progress to one of the top three sides.
As time passed, Italy became desperate. Gianluigi Donnarumma had a second-half spot-kick saved by Modric after Davide Pratesi was awarded a handball penalty following a VAR check, but the 38-year-old magician converted from close range 33 seconds later before celebrating emotionally with his team-mates.
Croatian supporters gave a standing ovation when Modric was sent off with 10 minutes left in regular time. His latest moment of magic looked set to propel Croatia into a major tournament knockout adventure once again. Instead, his 178th cap will likely be his last major tournament appearance for his country.
Alessandro Bastoni wasted another great headed opportunity but Dominik Livakovic saved brilliantly early on and Gianluca Scamacca failed to turn Federico Chiesa's low cross as Italy frantically searched for an answer. But it was Sub Zakhani who came up with the first international goal to change the narrative.
Riccardo Calafiori rushed forward and fed the Lazio winger down the left channel. His curling right-foot finish was exquisite, curling inside the far post. It was a beautiful moment, but a cruel blow to Croatia.
Joy… and despair!
Italy's Mattia Zaccagni stooped to score the last-minute equaliser.
…and run to celebrate
The difference in emotions was huge…
…But for Luke Modric, it was painful enough for what will almost certainly be his final major tournament appearance.
Analysis: Modric cruelly denied another magical night.
Croatia's Luka Modric applauds his country's supporters after the draw with Italy.
Peter Smith on Sky Sports:
With Spain and Italy in the same group, there was always a chance that Luka Modric's fifth European Championship and ninth major tournament against Croatia could end in a disappointing result. But the manner of the dramatic draw against Italy was brutally painful for the 38-year-old.
He made up for a missed penalty with a close-range finish to become the oldest ever scorer at a Euros and appeared to have done it again for Croatia as he received a late round of applause. The Croatian theater director came up with a decisive moment. But their dreams of reaching a major tournament once again were dashed by Italy's equalizer with virtually the last kick of the game.
Modrić, watching from the dugout, was helpless. Considering the performances of Gareth Southgate's side so far, England's chances of a big win against Slovenia look slim. And another major tournament for Modric (September 39) is clearly a step too far for a player who wants to continue playing for Real Madrid next season. He was coy about his future with the national team after the game. But this could be his last on the international stage.
Star Cast: Mattia Zaccagni
Italy's Mattia Zaccagni scored a stunning late equalizer.
Peter Smith on Sky Sports:
It's a name that many people can be forgiven for not knowing before they begin. Croatian supporters will never get that name out of their heads. Mattia Zacani. The 29-year-old Lazio winger picked the perfect time to score his first international goal in his seventh appearance for Italy.
And that was really the finish. A brilliant, crooked effort into the far corner in contrast to the sloppy, desperate football Italy produced after Modric's opener. Zacani scored the prize-winning goal of the 2021 Serie A season with an overhead kick. But this may be his most cherished goal.
