Croatia vs Italy Bet Builder Tips: 13/2 shot as Kovacic & co go for glory

A crunch clash in Group B takes place between Croatia and Italy at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on Monday (20:00, BBC One), with the Croats needing to win to reach the last 16 of Euro 2024.

Read below for my Croatia vs Italy bet builder tips as I pick out a player on either side to help land a 13/2 fourfold.

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Croatia vs Italy Odds

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Both teams to score - Yes

Croatia and Italy were both shut out by Spain, but both also struck twice against Albania, with the Croats drawing 2-2 with the Red and Blacks and the Italians beating them 2-1.

A draw would be enough to send the Azzurri through as Group B runners-up behind Spain, but with Croatia needing to win - therefore scoring at least once - there should be space for Italy to attack.

Croatia have shipped five goals across their first two games, highlighting their defensive deficiencies, and Luciano Spaletti's side should be able to take advantage and get themselves on the scoresheet at least once.

A first clean sheet of the competition may evade them, however, with their opponents going all out to find the back of the net. Croatia certainly showed their firepower in the second half against Albania, scoring both of their goals in the space of three minutes.

Over 26.5 shots

There were 24 shots in each of Italy's first two group games, and a third would see the above selection fall short.

However, I am confident that the number will be raised to at least 27 on Monday, mainly owing to Croatia's desperation for a victory.

The Croats witnessed 27 shots in their Group B opener with Spain - 16 of their own - and they hit four more against Albania in a game of 35 shots.

With so much on the line, expect plenty of shots in Leipzig.

Mateo Kovacic 2+ shots

Mateo Kovacic only averaged 0.7 shots per game in the Premier League for Manchester City last season, but the 30-year-old is given much more attacking responsibility with his country.

He averaged 1.8 shots per game in Euro 2024 qualification and is averaging three per game at this tournament.

Three of his six attempts so far have come outside the penalty area, and with Croatia needing to trouble the Italy goal on Tuesday, I expect him to try his luck repeatedly.

Federico Dimarco 1+ shots

Like many of his teammates, Federico Dimarco was kept quiet as an attacking force against Spain, failing to muster a shot.

However, that feels like an outlier against a well-organised outfit. Croatia shouldn't prove as difficult to bypass, and that will be music to the ears of Dimarco, who shot twice against Albania and averaged 1.3 shots per game in qualification.

The Inter Milan full-back also averaged 1.7 shots per game in Serie A last season, scoring five times for Simone Inzaghi's side.

With Italy lacking wingers and creativity, Dimarco is an important attacking presence down the left, and I expect him to be heavily utilised against Croatia.

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You can read all our latest Euro 2024 Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.