Punter denied one of Euro 2024’s greatest bets during Italy vs Croatia game
A punter was denied one of the bets of Euro 2024 during the thrilling clash between Croatia and Italy.
Croatia are on the brink of elimination following their 1-1 draw with Italy in Leipzig.
Luka Modric opened the scoring in the 55th minute after fluffing his lines from the spot as Gianluigi Donnarumma produced an incredible save.
But moments later, Modric smashed home from close range to put his side ahead.
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Croatia seemed destined to secure a huge win until Mattia Zaccagni curled home a stunning strike deep, deep into stoppage time.
Zaccagni's goal sent Italy through to the next round of the tournament.
Despite the dramatic nature of his strike, the Lazio winger didn't take his top off, which would've pocketed a punter an incredible return.
X user @lewismeechan67 placed a bet on Zaccagni to score anytime in the match and to be booked.
Obviously, the bet didn't come in as the Italian wasn't shown a yellow card against Croatia, missing out on a cool £376 from a cheeky £1 bet.
On social media, the unlucky punter posted his bet slip online, accompanied with the caption: "Scoring that level of goal in 90+8 and you didn’t take your top off? What the f**k has happened to my beautiful game."
Speaking after the result, Zaccagni described the emotions that went through his mind following his goal.
"Many images went through my mind. It was an indescribable emotion, it was important we qualify as second and I am very happy," he revealed.
"I honestly hadn’t even realised it was the last kick of the game. When the ball came to me, and it was done really well by Calafiori, I didn’t think twice. I went running and then got flattened under everyone! They wrecked me.
"Del Piero was always my idol, I had his poster on my wall as a child. Before we went off to Germany, Del Piero met us in the camp, then we were able to talk via Instagram too and it was so exciting. I hope he writes tonight too!"
Zaccagni's goal means Italy will meet Switzerland in the last-16 on Saturday.
Nasir Jabbar