- Italy standing: Italy U19 are 2nd in UEFA EURO U19 Group B 2026 with three points after one game (W1, D0, L0, S2).
- Croatia standing: Croatia U19 are 3rd in UEFA EURO U19 Group B 2026 with zero points after 1 game (W0, D0, L1, S1).
Winners of the midfield battle should control the tempo
Styles of play
Italy U19 enter this game as the more confident side of the two with a win in their opening game against Serbia U19 (2-0), while Croatia U19 are under pressure after a 1-3 defeat in their opener at home to Ukraine U19.
This is a classic clash of football styles with Italy U19 looking to press narrow and fast in phases and attack quickly via transitions, while Croatia U19 circulate the ball more and look to overload the wide areas, playing a more direct game in bursts.
Recent form
Italy U19 will be the tougher team to beat in all competitions based on their last 5 matches (W4, D1, L0), while Croatia U19 have been more mediocre with 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses over the same period. In their last 2 games, Italy U19 have won consecutive matches, while Croatia U19 are on a 2-game losing streak, so it would be no surprise to see Alberto Bollini's men start fast and secure a quick advantage here.
Draw or Italy will happen on Thursday
Odds and prediction
Croatia U19 are priced as slight favourites in this match at 2.6, while Italy U19 are around 2.7 and the draw sits at 3.1, but the Italians are the better bet here.
Italy U19 will look to press Croatia U19 in phases on Thursday and they proved in their 2-0 win against Serbia U19 that they can control the game in both boxes.
Croatia U19 have lost consecutive home matches, which will have exposed some cracks in the backline and the hosts could be vulnerable at the back on Thursday, so we are going with Italy or draw.
Betting angles
This is a chance for both sides to show their character as the U19 EURO is a World Cup pathway and this is a group game which will feel like a knockout match for both.
- Croatia U19 have made a poor start at home in this UEFA EURO U19 Group B with 1 game played and 0 draws, 1 loss and a 3.00 goals-against average.
- Under 2.5 goals at 1.7 looks a little too tight for this clash of styles but will fit the tighter read, while both teams to score at 1.8 will keep the BTTS angle alive.
- Italy U19 have won 1 and drawn 1 of their last 2 away matches in all competitions, and they should have enough to edge Croatia U19 here if the visitors strike first.
