Title: Croatian striker Lopes returns to the team for upcoming match

Lopes, Croatia's leading goalscorer in recent years, has returned to the team after being sidelined with a knee injury during his last game.

The striker has been on the sidelines since mid-December due to the severity of his injury, but he is back in the squad and ready to take on the challenge of the upcoming match against Italy.

"I'm really happy to be back in the team," said Lopes, who was unable to play in his last game because of the injury. "It's good to be able to come back and play again now that I'm not injured."

Despite his absence, Lopes still contributed significantly to the team's efforts in their previous matches. He scored two goals in the friendly against Norway, and his assists were crucial in helping the team secure a draw against Switzerland.

The return of Lopes to the team means that Croatia will have a new face at the heart of their midfield. His experience and skill will undoubtedly help them improve their chances of victory against Italy.

"It's great to see Lopes back in the team," said coach Jan Kozlowski. "He brings a lot of experience and can provide us with some much-needed goals."

With the upcoming match against Italy coming up quickly, Lopes will need to impress his teammates and the fans to earn the starting spot. But he remains confident that he can do so, and he's looking forward to playing his part in the team's success.

In conclusion, Lopes' return to the team is a positive development for Croatia. The striker's return means that they will have a new face at the heart of their midfield, and his experience and skill will undoubtedly help them improve their chances of victory against Italy.