Italy vs. Croatia Live Stream: Online Viewing Info for Euro 2012 Match

In a tough Group C that features three squads that are more than capable of advancing to the knock-out stage, every match is of the utmost importance.

Perhaps no game will be bigger in the group, however, than the Italy vs. Croatia showdown on Thursday. Croatia leads the group after beating Ireland handily, while Italy is very much in the hunt thanks to a surprising tie against Spain.

Most believe that Spain is going to advance regardless, so the result of this match could very well determine who else will move on. If either team loses then it will certainly be on the ropes moving forward, while a draw will keep both squads in the hunt as they head into their final group games respectively.

Here is everything you need to know about today's clash between Italy and Croatia, including where to catch it streaming online as well as on television.

Where: Stadion Miejski in Poznan, Poland

When: Thursday, June 14 at 12 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN3

Betting Line (Money line via Bovada): Italy (+125), Croatia (+235), Draw (+225)

Key Player to Watch for Italy: Antonio Di Natale

For a bit of time in the second half, it appeared as though Italy might upset the defending Euro and World Cup champion Spanish team as substitute forward Antonio Di Natale put the Italians ahead in the second half.

Spain was ultimately able to net the equalizer, but Di Natale was a constant threat against the top-ranked team in the world when he entered the match, and he will look to be just as effective against Croatia.

There has been some talk about starting Di Natale over talented but controversial striker Mario Balotelli. The polarizing star let a golden scoring opportunity go by the wayside and was nowhere near as dangerous as Di Natale, so that speculation may very well become reality.

Whatever the case, Di Natale will enter the match at some point and will likely need to make a play in a close game. The Croatian defense isn't easy to penetrate, but Di Natale has the skill to give them trouble.

Key Player to Watch for Croatia: Mario Mandzukic

Croatia ran roughshod over Ireland in its first group match of the tournament, and the most impressive performance was turned in by forward Mario Mandzukic, as he found the back of the mesh twice in Croatia's 3-1 triumph.

Mandzukic is a featured player in Croatia's aggressive attack, and he will have to be on top of his game against the Italians. Italy had just one defensive breakdown against Spain that resulted in a goal, but largely held the best team in the world in check.

Since both Croatia and Italy are so responsible defensively, there is a good chance that one goal could put this match away for either side. That means that the strikers are going to be absolutely key, and Mandzukic is most definitely Croatia's best finisher.

Croatia is more of a team-oriented squad than most in this tournament, but if Mandzukic gets a chance to freelance and make something happen, then he needs to take it.

Prediction

Considering that a loss would probably sink either team due to Spain's presence in the group, I expect Italy and Croatia to be fairly cautious in this one. With neither team wanting to take an unnecessary chance, I anticipate a scoreless, 0-0 draw that will force Italy to defeat Ireland and Croatia to at least earn a draw with the Spaniards and hope their goal difference is enough to take them through.

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