Fans call for 'more excitement' from BBC commentator after his coverage of Italy's late equaliser against Croatia at Euro 2024... but his World Service colleague is praised for his description of Mattia Zaccagni's wonderstrike

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A BBC commentator has received criticism for his commentary of Italy's last-minute equaliser against Croatia at Euro 2024.

The defending champions guaranteed their spot in the last 16 of the competition on Monday with an equaliser deep into stoppage time of the game, all-but-knocking their opponents out in the process.

Mattia Zaccagni's fine goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time took Italy to four points from their three group games, following a win over Albania in their opener before defeat by Spain to follow it up.

The strike triggered ecstatic scenes from the Italy players as they chased down Zaccagni, substitutes included, who performed a knee slide before being bundled by his team-mates.

Jonathan Pearce was on commentary for BBC's coverage of the game, calling the equaliser, but his work didn't go down well with a number of viewers.

Fans have criticised BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce for his commentary of Italy's late equaliser against Croatia

Mattia Zaccagni scored an impressive goal late on to secure his side's spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024

Viewers weren't pleased with the commentary from the broadcaster as he covered the goal, however

'It's an opportunity, and a brilliant goal,' Pearce could be heard saying behind the microphone. 'Superb take for Italy by Mattia Zaccagni, and it's 1-1.'

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He then paused for a few seconds, before adding: 'It will take Italy through, and it will leave Croatia waiting and wondering and pondering whether they have done enough. In the last minute of stoppage time.'

'That commentary from Jonathan Pearce is absolutely pathetic,' one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 'He sounds like he's just lost 10K on that equaliser.

'Martin Tyler was the same before he retired. It's embarrassingly lacklustre and completely ruins the moment. It's a 98th minute pearler FFS.'

Another wrote: 'The commentator could not sound less interested in a 98th minute equaliser if he tried. It's an absolute belter of a finish too. Man sounds more upset that it happened than it not happening, poor....'

A number of viewers were clambering for the veteran commentator to be more upbeat

A third, meanwhile, posted: 'A bit more excitement needed for this commentary man.'

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All eyes have been on broadcasters' coverage of Euro 2024 action, with both BBC and ITV putting together star-studded commentary and punditry line-ups for the competiton.

Some of their regular contributors have continued their work, however, including Pearce, who can regularly be heard on BBC's Match of the Day.

The 64-year-old has become known for his laid-back approach over his career, though fans weren't impressed on this occasions.

Another wrote: 'Italy: Score a banging 98th-minute equaliser to send them through to the knockouts of the Euros Jonathan Pearce: Mmhm,' while a fifth posted: 'Jonathan Pearce there sounding like he had money on Croatia.'

Sky Sports regular Peter Drury, who was working for the World Service, received praise for his work, however

Fans were quick to hail the commentary of Sky Sports regular Peter Drury, however, who was also working on the game but for the World Service.

One fan posted: 'The GOAT of football commentary,' while another added: 'Goose bumps man. I can't lie.'

A third branded him 'the Messi of football commentary'.