Having both impressed in their opening games, Croatia and Italy face off tonight in Poznan aware that the winning team stands a good chance of progressing to the quarter finals. A professional display by the Croats against Ireland on Sunday saw them run out 3-1 winners, whilst a stalwart Italy battled for a hard-fought point against holders Spain. English Referee Howard Webb takes control of the game tonight, which promises to be one of the most exciting of the tournament.
Team NewsItalyWith a 3-5-2 formation working so brilliantly in their opening game, coach Cesare Prandelli will likely stick with the same tactic. Mario Balotelli runs the risk of being dropped after a less than impressive performance against the Spanish on Sunday. Antonio Di Natale, the Italian veteran who scored from the bench in their opening game may be called into the starting line-up instead. Daniele De Rossi was so effective at the heart of the defence in Italy’s opening game. However, the Roma player may return to his natural position in the middle of the park, leaving Torino’s Angelo Ogbonna to hold court at the back.CroatiaInjuries to key players Ivica Olic and Dejan Lovren before the tournament seemed to have had little effect on the Croatian side in their opening game. Their attacking men impressed and were dominant throughout the match. However, against a team such as Italy, Slavan Bilic may choose to drop one of either Nikita Jelavic or Mario Mandzukic, in favour of a midfielder who can make up the numbers in the centre of the park. Recently departed Spurs winger Niko Kranjcar may be the man to receive promotion from the bench.Key PlayersItaly- Daniele De RossiThe Midfielders aforementioned appearance at centre back for Italy in their draw against Spain was really a masterful performance given that De Rossi is a natural midfielder. It depends on Prandelli’s tactics tonight as to where De Rossi plays. If the coach sticks to 3-5-2, the Roma player will likely keep his place in defence. However, should Prandelli opt for the teams more familiar 4-4-2 diamond formation, De Rossi will return to the midfield. Regardless of his position tonight, expect De Rossi to be key for the Italians. His job will presumably involve breaking up Croatian attacks, especially through Luka Modric, who De Rossi will undoubtedly stick very close to.Croatia- Luka ModricThe playmaker showed glimpses of his talent against the Irish, finding the ball in dangerous areas and tallying two shots on target. His part in the game in Poznan tonight will be vitally important if his country are to maintain a perfect start to the tournament. Unlike the Irish, the Italians will keep much of the possession and will frustrate Modric, who likes to have the ball at his feet. The Spurs midfielder will have to take any chance that comes his way, or face a night of disgruntlement. Discipline will also have to be kept by Modric; he is just one yellow card away from missing his teams final group game against Spain.Prediction- Italy 2-1 Croatia
