Italy vs. Croatia: Score, Grades and Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier

Croatia held Italy to a 1-1 draw in a Euro 2016 qualifying match that was marred by crowd trouble on Sunday evening at the San Siro in Milan.

Antonio Candreva gave Italy an 11th-minute lead against the run of play before a Gianluigi Buffon error gifted Croatia the equaliser just four minutes later. Croatia went on to dominate possession, but were unable to find the net again and had to settle for a draw.

The match was halted for about 10 minutes in the second half after flares rained down on the pitch. Police entered the stands to control the crowd while the players left the field. 

The draw leaves the two teams level atop Group H with 10 points apiece through four matches. Norway are one point behind in the race for the top two spots, both of which carry automatic qualification to Euro 2016 in France.

Up next, Croatia host Norway on March 28. Victory on home soil would put manager Niko Kovac's side in a strong position to qualify automatically.

Italy are set to play at Bulgaria the same day. An away win, coupled with a loss by either Croatia or Norway, would put the Azzurri in a comfortable position as well.

Croatia started brightly, creating the best chances of the opening exchanges. Ivan Rakitic's long-distance shot drew a save from Buffon in the sixth minute. After Italy failed to clear the ensuing corner, Buffon saved again from close distance on Ivan Perisic. The rebound fell to Domagoj Vida, who lifted a wild shot well over the bar.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Buffon saved again in the ninth minute as Luka Modric tried his luck from distance. The visitors had dominated until that point, but Italy took the lead in the 11th minute against the run of play.

Any danger seemed to have passed when Simone Zaza had a shot blocked just inside Croatia's box. But the Italy forward latched onto the rebound and laid off for the onrushing Candreva, who placed an angled shot into the far corner for a 1-0 Azzurri lead.

It was a cruel blow for Croatia, but the visitors quickly drew level after a mistake by Buffon.

Again, there seemed to be little danger when Perisic cut in from the left and sent a low shot straight at Buffon in the 15th minute. But the Italian goalkeeper misjudged the ball, allowing it to slip under his body and into the net.

Both teams had to make a substitution midway through the first half. Mateo Kovacic replaced the injured Luka Modric for Croatia, while Roberto Soriano came on for Manuel Pasqual.

Croatia nearly took the lead in first half stoppage time after another shaky moment on Buffon's part. Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic beat Buffon to a lofted ball in the box, and with the goal empty, Ivica Olic's header appeared destined for the net. But Andrea Ranocchia made a timely clearance to keep the match level heading into half-time.

The first chance of the second half fell to Italy, as Zaza forced Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic into a 47th-minute save with a low drive. Three minutes later, Buffon had to be alert to catch a deflected clearance after Darijo Srna crossed from the right.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Croatia gained in confidence as the half wore on. In the 61st minute, Rakitic shot straight at Buffon from distance following a flowing team move. At the other end, in a rare Italy attack, Stephan El Shaarawy blazed over the bar after combining well with Claudio Marchisio.

The match came to a halt in the 75th minute as fans threw flares onto the pitch. Police entered the stands and clashed briefly with supporters. 

When the match restarted, Italy took the upper hand. In the 77th minute, Vida made a crucial headed clearance to stop a dangerous El Shaarawy shot.

Croatia quickly settled, though, and nearly took a late lead in the 87th minute. Flowing down the field at pace, Rakitic freed Perisic with a long diagonal ball. Perisic tried to pick out the far corner with his low shot, but the ball rolled agonisingly wide.

It turned out to be the last clear chance of the match, and both teams had to settle for a point after the 90 minutes and stoppage time were up.

Grades

Gianluigi Buffon: C

Buffon is without doubt an Italian legend, but he'll wish he could have another chance to save the tame shot by Perisic that became Croatia's equaliser. With the ball barely over the line, Buffon raised his hand in a gesture of self-incrimination and apology.

Late in the first half, Buffon was beaten to a high cross by Mandzukic. Buffon was clearly upset, demanding the referee call a foul. The referee declined, though, and Croatia nearly scored again.

As tactics blogger Michael Cox noted, Buffon appeared "unsteady" from the opening whistle:

Italy overall: C+

Croatia are a quality side, but as four-time World Cup champions, Italy will still expect to win matches like this on home soil.

However, on Sunday's evidence, Croatia might have had the better claim to all three points. Niko Kovac's side started well and were unfortunate to go behind by a goal. Italy improved toward the end of the match, but for long periods, Antonio Conte's team was second-best and created little from open play.

Even so, a draw is not a bad result—especially considering UEFA's revised qualifying rules. The top two teams in each group qualify automatically for Euro 2016, and Italy should have no problem finishing in the top two of Group H.

Croatia overall: B

As noted above, Croatia were the better side for much of Sunday's match. With better finishing, Kovac and his players could have returned home with all three points.

Again, though, a draw is not a bad result in this situation—especially after Croatia lost a player of Luka Modric's quality so early in the match. Playing away from home against a team of Italy's pedigree, Croatia will be pleased to have avoided defeat.

But considering the overall performance, Croatia won't quite be satisfied with a point.

Reaction

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi (via Football Italia):

"

The draw is a good result and Croatia are on our level. We knew it was going to be a difficult game and that I’d be man-marked for 90 minutes. 

We have to work, especially on our possession play. These are things you get better at with time.

"

Italy coach Antonio Conte (via Football Italia):

"

It’s a step forward. It wasn’t easy and the Pasqual injury didn’t help, so we gave Soriano his debut.

Let’s say this game against a team that is in better shape, has been together for a long time, with more experience and great quality, was tough.

This team has the desire to improve and fight for every ball. We can improve, of course, but the hunger is there. I also thank the fans for coming to San Siro in such numbers.

"