Euro 2012: Italy seek a win over ‘dangerous’ Croatia

The Italians take on the Group C leaders needing a win to keep up their hopes of progressing to the next round.

Italy held holders Spain to a 1-1 draw in their pool opener while Croatia beat the Republic of Ireland 3-0. “We face a very complicated game,” Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said. “Our aim is to win because I reiterate this is a key match for us.”

The Azzurri go into the encounter at Poznan’s Municipal Stadium looking to halt a four-match winless run. Prandelli’s side showed a vast improvement on Sunday against Spain but need to step up their game against Croatia.

“This is a different rival to Spain and even more dangerous because Croatia can change their style of play during a game,” Prandelli said.

“Croatia are unpredictable, hence we need to be all the more prepared than we were against Spain.”

Prandelli could make some changes to the squad but Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli is set to keep his place in attack alongside Antonio Cassano.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is looking forward to locking horns with Prandelli. “Everyone saw how good Italy are,” said Bilic. “I have a lot of respect for Prandelli and for his team. Italy are certainly not weaker than Spain. I’m really looking forward to this game.”

Bilic believes his national team’s past results against the Azzurri will not matter this afternoon. “I don’t believe that much in tradition but it’s nice to know that we never lose against Italy,” he said.

Bilic, whose side will face world champions Spain in their final group game next Monday, knows his men will have to hand another solid performance if they are to upset Italy.

“We played very well against Ireland,” he said. “We outplayed them physically, tactically and psychologically. We must remain at this level if we are to win.”