The Croatian Curse

Italy cannot beat Croatia. This is the sixth game since the separation of the former Yugoslav country, and the Italians have still to register a win in these encounters.

Prandelli's team was clearly the best team in the first half, and they were 1-0 up at half-time.
After a few good chances were missed, Pirlo finally scored from a free kick just outside of the penalty box. It was the first goal from a free kick, in this tournament.
And Italy, apparently, became content with defending and only trying to counter-attack, after that goal.

But, just like in the Spain game, their defense let the Italians down, just enough for them to surrender the lead again.
Chiellini, who still does not seem like a world-class player (just like a few other Italian players in Prandelli's starting formation), totally misjudged the trajectory of a menacing cross, in minute 72. The ball passed him and went straight to the foot of Mandzukic, who cannot do anything wrong at the moment.
Probably Buffon was kind of ball-watching, too, instead of trying to capture the ball. The ball was certainly in the air for a long time, enough for an experienced goalkeeper to try to get it. But I guess maybe he thought Chiellini had it. (Juventus collaboration gone bad, there...)

Croatia did very well, but they still have probably the toughest test still to come. If they end up tying the match with Spain, too, most people are going to be drawing parallels to Italy's Euro 2004 group (when Sweden and Denmark very probably had an understanding to eliminate Italy with that 2-2 draw).

As for Italy, they lack good strikers. Balotelli, Di Natale and Cassano, who are the best-known strikers on the team, seem more like second-class strikers than first-class. (Also, where the hell is Matri? Why wasn't he picked for the squad?) And they lack really solid defenders, too. Giaccherini, especially, and Chiellini cannot really be praised for much so far in the tournament. Italy really is lacking a lot of things. In my opinion, Prandelli has done really well with what he has. But, if they don't beat Ireland, next, all his work will mean nothing.

Highlights:

Italy v Croatia by verduno45