Intro:

Hundreds of Croatian football supporters arrived in Poznan on Thursday morning, on a special train from Zagreb ahead of this afternoon's game against Italy.

Script:

Hundreds of Croatian football supporters arrived in Poznan on Thursday morning, on a special train from Zagreb ahead of this afternoon's game against Italy.

But the miserable weather waiting for them did nothing to dampen the overall mood.

"I am from Kastelli, we have good weather and our people down there are already on the beach, it was a proper summer, so we come to Poznan and find the rain. But we'll win against the Italians 2-1

They have good reason to be in high spirits; the Croatian team has placed well within their group by defeating Ireland 3-1 and have beaten Italy in their last five meetings.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has warned that his side's clash with Croatia will be a decisive match.

Italian fans feel that Croatia is the most dangerous squad they are facing in the group stages because it is the most unpredictable one.

In the city centre the rain had definitely spoiled the party.

The landmark Rynek Square which is surrounded by bars and restaurants - and the adjacent fan zone - were both largely deserted.

Croatia and Italy fans will be hoping that the weather cheers up in time for their match tomorrow.