The rivalry between the Croatia and Italy national football teams has long been a prominent fixture in European football history, with both nations boasting rich football traditions, passionate fan bases, and successes on the international stage. In 2025, as major tournaments and qualifiers unfold, the comparative standings of these two sides provide insight into their current strength, challenges, and trajectory in international competitions.
Historical Context and Team Profiles
Croatia has emerged as a major football power in the past three decades, quickly rising after the country’s independence and FIFA admission in 1994. The “Vatreni” (Blazers) have a reputation for technical skill, resilience, and tactical sophistication. Croatia reached the FIFA World Cup final in 2018 and secured third place in 1998 and recently in 2022, showcasing consistent high-level performance. Their football identity is deeply rooted in national pride, symbolized by their iconic checkered kits.
Italy, on the other hand, possesses one of the most decorated football legacies globally, with four World Cup titles and a reputation for tactical defense, known historically as “catenaccio.” Though Italy faced challenges in the early 2020s, including failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, they have been rebuilding under new management. The Azzurri continue to showcase quality and experience, often excelling in European competitions and maintaining a strong squad around emerging and established talents.
UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 Standings
In the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025, Croatia and Italy competed in different groups but both remained competitive.
- Croatia competed in League A Group 1, finishing second behind Portugal and ahead of Scotland and Poland. Their overall record for the group was 6 matches played, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, scoring 8 goals and conceding 8. They displayed resilience and tactical discipline but fell short of clinching the group top spot.
- Italy participated in League A Group 2, where they finished second behind France and ahead of Belgium and Israel. Italy also played 6 games with a similar record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, scoring 13 goals but conceding 8.
Both teams advanced to knockout rounds of the Nations League, where Croatia reached the semifinals for the first time, beating the reigning champions France in a quarterfinal match 2-0 at home but eventually losing the semifinal on penalties to Spain. Italy, however, did not advance as far.
Head-to-Head Recent Matches
Recent confrontations between Croatia and Italy have shown a tight balance:
- A friendly and competitive group stage match in Euro 2024 ended in a 1-1 draw, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the teams.
- In UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers and Nations League meetings, the two sides have exchanged results that underscore a rivalry characterized by tactical battles rather than goal fest matches.
FIFA World Cup Qualifying and 2026 Prospects
As of 2025, both teams are actively competing in the qualification stages for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Croatia is positioned strongly in their qualifying group, securing dominant wins against teams like Gibraltar (7-0) and Montenegro (4-0). They have demonstrated a combination of strong defense and clinical finishing, with emerging stars alongside veterans Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić leading by example. Croatia narrowly missed direct qualification spots in previous cycles but remain hopeful to secure a berth through qualifiers or playoffs.
Italy has been navigating a challenging UEFA qualifying group. Their standings as of late 2025 show mixed results, with close matches but no dominating performances. Italy has occasionally stumbled against lower-ranked opponents but remains theoretically in contention for playoff spots. The team is currently adapting and investing in younger talents while retaining experienced leaders.
FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking Update
The FIFA rankings reflect the current power dynamics:
- As of mid-2025, Croatia has returned to the top 10 in FIFA rankings, showing a slight improvement and recognition of their recent performances and consistent results.
- Italy slipped slightly out of the top 10, settling near 11th place, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining their top-tier status but still remaining among the elite international teams.
Comparative Strengths and Weaknesses
| Aspect | Croatia | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA Ranking | Top 10 (around 10th place) | Just outside Top 10 (around 11th place) |
| UEFA Nations League | Runners-up in 2023 and semifinalists in 2024/25 | Group runners-up in 2024/25, did not reach semifinals |
| Recent World Cup | 3rd place in 2022 finals | Missed 2018, rebuilding for 2026 qualifiers |
| Key Players | Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, Dominik Livaković | Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolò Barella, Matteo Pessina |
| Playing Style | Technical, quick counterattacking, solid defense | Tactical, defensive organization, creative midfield |
| Qualifying Group Stage | Strong performances, high scoring | Mixed results, some setbacks |
Outlook for Upcoming Tournaments
The continuing evolution of both teams sets the stage for renewed competition in upcoming tournaments such as UEFA Euro 2028 qualifiers and the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals.
Croatia aims to maintain its position as a dark horse, leveraging talented young players to replace veterans and enhance squad depth. Their technical proficiency, combined with experience, makes them realistic contenders in any competition they enter.
Italy is in transition but remains a formidable opponent with a rich footballing culture and the ability to produce world-class talent. The emphasis on integrating youth with experienced players will dictate their future success and help restore confidence among fans and critics alike.
Conclusion
The Croatia vs Italy football rivalry remains one of the most intriguing in Europe, combining rich histories, passionate supporters, and contrasting styles. In current standings and recent performances, Croatia holds a slight edge with more consistent international success and improved rankings, while Italy diligently rebuilds to regain its traditional dominance.
Both teams’ journeys to the 2026 World Cup qualifier and beyond will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as every match shapes the evolving narrative of this classic football matchup. The dynamic between Croatia’s technical flair and Italy’s tactical rigidity guarantees exciting clashes and high stakes in the years ahead.
