Italy cling on to hold Croatia

• Antonio Candreva gives Italy an 11th-minute lead against the run of play
• Ivan Perišić replies within five minutes as Croatia pile on the pressure
• Italy forced to defend for long periods at San Siro
• Both teams remain unbeaten with ten points from four outings
• Next games: Bulgaria v Italy, Croatia v Norway (28 March)

Croatia came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Italy on a night when Daniele De Rossi and Ivica Olić both brought up a century of international appearances.

The visitors showed no fear in the Italian capital and Ivan Rakitić was first to test Gianluigi Buffon, who defended his near post well. The resulting corner led to another opportunity as Domagoj Vida fired over under pressure from De Rossi. The Azzurri relieved the pressure, however, and their first attack yielded the opening goal. After seeing his shot blocked, Simone Zaza teed up Antonio Candreva, who found the bottom left-hand corner of Danijel Subašić's goal from 20 metres.

Croatia's response was not long in coming, Ivan Perišić levelling within five minutes via a diagonal shot which crept under Buffon. Niko Kovač's men continued to cause problems too, and Andrea Ranocchia had to make a goal-line clearance from Mario Mandžukić in first-half added time.

Zaza fizzed in a shot early in the second half, but it was Croatia who continued to call the shots, with Mateo Kovačić going close during a prolonged spell of pressure which was pierced briefly by an interruption following crowd disturbances. After play restarted, Perišić wasted the chance to win it, dragging his shot wide with only Buffon to beat as Italy breathed a sigh of relief.