UEFA Nations League final four
Croatia, Italy, and the Netherlands will compete in the UEFA Nations League finals in June after winning their respective groups.
Italy has joined Croatia and the Netherlands as the first teams to secure a place in the UEFA Nations League final four in 2023.
The semi-finals will be held on June 14 and 15, 2023, with the final and third-place play-off on June 18. The hosts will be chosen in January 2023, with Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands, and Wales all expressing interest.
Croatia
How they qualified
When Croatia was thrashed 3-0 at home by Austria in their first Group A1 game, few expected much. The outlook was not greatly improved by a 1-1 draw with France in Split, but Zlatko Dali's charges have proven their worth, with two victories over Denmark sandwiched by a fine 1-0 win in France. They then held their nerve in Austria, winning 3-1 thanks to two crucial goals in the final 21 minutes. "In the end, the victory was deserved," captain Modri said. "I'm overjoyed that we're in the top four."
Tactics
Dali prefers a 4-3-3 formation, but will occasionally switch to a 4-2-3-1, with little difference between the two. During the league phase, the coach rotated a lot, but he stuck with a midfield trio of Modri, Mateo Kovai, and Marcelo Brozovi, plus Ivan Perii on the left. Dali experimented elsewhere as he sought solutions up front, on the right, and in defense.
One to Watch
Joko Gvardiol could quickly become one of the world's most sought-after defenders. The Leipzig center-back is only 20 years old, but his reactions and maturity are already impressive, especially when under pressure. He has emerged as a key pillar in Dali's team as Croatia's future.
Italy
How they qualified
Roberto Mancini's side restored some pride after their shock loss to North Macedonia in the World Cup play-offs, paired with EURO 2020 final opponents England and Germany in a difficult section. A 5-2 loss in Germany on Matchday 4 was a setback, but the Azzurri responded with back-to-back victories in September, with Giacomo Raspadori scoring in both.
Tactics
Roberto Mancini mostly used the 4-3-3 formation that led the Azzurri to victory at EURO 2020 in qualifying but switched to a 3-5-2 formation for the final two games of the group stage, picking up wins and clean sheets against England and Hungary.
One to Watch
Giacomo Raspadori scored in victories over England and Hungary in September. With his never-say-die attitude, creativity, and lethal finish at the age of 22, the Napoli forward could be the answer to Italy's attacking problems.
Netherlands
How they qualified
The Netherlands, the only unbeaten team in League A, began as they meant to go on, thrashing neighbors Belgium 4-1 away. Since then, the Oranje has come back from a 2-0 deficit to draw with Poland, and both wins against Wales have come in extra time. The Dutch, however, always found a way and sealed their passage with a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Amsterdam.
Tactics
A back three, wing-backs who are an important part of the attack, a midfield diamond with the point in front, and two fast, mobile strikers - usually Steven Bergwijn and Memphis Depay - who are almost impossible to contain. And, of course, a team full of players who can easily switch positions.
One to Watch
Timber, Jurrin Van Dijk believes the 21-year-old Ajax defender is "much further along in his development than I was at that age."
