The Azzurri progressed to the last 16 thanks to substitute Mattia Zaccagni’s fine strike in the 98th minute.
The reigning champions now face Switzerland in the knock-out stage of the competition.
“I already have plenty of poison in me and when they don’t give it to me, I inject it myself,” said Spalletti.
“The qualification is deserved, you [in the media] said it was the group of death.
“It was very difficult to qualify, and Croatia are used to this type of tension.
“We still need to work on a few aspects because there are things that happen in our matches which are illogical.
“Nevertheless, we’ve deservedly progressed.
“Our players have quality, but there are moments when they make really banal mistakes.
“Our potential is better than what we showed this evening.
“We need more courage.”
ANSA
