The Azzurri's 10-game unbeaten run at the European championships came to an end at the hands of Luis de la Fuente's side after Riccardo Caliafiori's own goal in the second half.

During the defeat, Italy's lack of attacking threat was clear, registering its fewest shots in a game on record at a European championships (four).

Italy is second in Group B, with Croatia bottom, but it is all to play for, with both sides capable of progressing or even missing out on a place in the Round of 16.

"Maybe I needed to give them more rest, I probably need to give them more days off, we gave them a day and a half off in terms of rest and we saw that was the right decision in terms of our data," Spalletti said.

"But there was too much of a gulf, we were constantly stretched, we probably didn't recover very well in terms of just how demanding and important the tournament was itself, because there was too much of a gulf in terms of sharpness and freshness."

Italy has never lost consecutive games at the European championships, but is faced with a side it has failed to beat in its previous eight encounters.

Spalletti believes his side can take inspiration from Spain's dominant display, saying: "Everyone would love to copy Spain in terms of the way they play. They've been playing the best football for the longest time now.

"I need to try and succeed in making my players aware of how important this sort of match is, because if you sit very deep against teams like this, ultimately it becomes very difficult."

Meanwhile, Croatia is on the verge of a surprise group-stage exit after picking up just one point so far.

Head coach Zlatko Dalic has come in for criticism back home, despite having led the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, and last year's UEFA Nations League final in an unprecedented spell of success.

"We will do everything to prepare for Italy. I have learned some things in these seven years where there have been far more successes than failures," Dalic said.

"I'm also used to criticism. I always say it's my responsibility. I am aware that when medals are won, my role ‘means nothing’ and that I am there by accident, but that’s how it is in Croatia."

Dalic stuck with his midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Marcelo Brozovic against Albania, but replaced Brozovic at half-time with 21-year-old Luka Sucic, who impressed.

"Those who deserve to play, play," Dalic said. "I choose with the staff what I think is best.

"Of course, some others have merit, but those who I think are the best play. Here are those who deserve to be here. This probably applies to the older players and I will be with them as long as I live, but those who deserve to play, play."

Croatia boasts an impressive record against the Azzurri and will be looking to continue that record as it looks to confirm its progression to the knockout stages.

Since gaining independence in the early 1990s, Croatia is unbeaten in its eight meetings against Italy (won three, drawn five). However, their past three meetings have all ended 1-1.

Croatia not gone through a group stage without winning at a major tournament since the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It has won its final group game at three of its past four major tournaments since losing 3-1 to Mexico at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Croatia also boast an excellent record against the current reigning champion of the tournament. This will be its fifth against the current holder of the trophy, each coming in the group stages.

Since the group phase was introduced in 1980, Italy has lost its final group game in only one of its nine appearances at the UEFA European championship, going down 1-0 against Republic of Ireland in 2016.