The two teams were joint top of their EURO 2016 qualifying group coming into this game at the San Siro. Both teams had 9 points from their opening 3 games to boast about but something had to give tonight after perfect starts from the pair. It was also a special occasion for AS Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi who marked this day with his 100th cap.
Croatia were dictating the tempo from the off, keeping possession and looking comfortable. However it was Italy who struck first. Zaza's shot was blocked so the ball found it's way to Antonio Candreva, whose powerful strike flew past Subašić to give the hosts the lead. It was the midfielders first goal for the Azzurri. However the Azzurri could only keep their lead four minutes as Croatia struck back. Perišić's low driven shot squirmed under Buffon's body to equalize for the visitors, the Italian skipper really should have done better.
The game also saw some casualties, early on Modrić hobbled off to be replaced by Inter's Kovačić and Manuel Pasqual also went off for Sampdoria’s Roberto Soriano not long after. This was a special day for Roberto Soriano as he made his Azzurri debut. Italy saw two chances go by both created by the inform Candreva. The first being a nice cross for Immobile who couldn't quite get enough contact on the ball after being pressured by Darijo Srna. The second being a ball for De Sciglio who saw his venturesome scuffed volley not hit to full effect. Croatia had a great chance to go 2-1 up on the stroke of half time. This was when Perišić played in a dangerous ball into Mario Mandžukić. Buffon came for the ball but didn't get it - claiming he was fouled by the big Croatian. However the Azzurri have to thank Andrea Ranocchia for not conceding after the move continued with a goal line clearance after Olić's effort.
Gigi Buffon was alert for Italy after the break saving shots from Kovačić and Mandžukić. Simone Zaza also had his snapshot well saved by Croatia's new number 1, Danijel Subašić. Antonio Conte was running out of ideas and sent on Southampton's Graziano Pellè and AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy, - this being his first appearance since the Confederations Cup semi-final in 2013. El Shaarawy came close but his curler from outside the box skimmed the top of the cross bar.
After 73 minutes the play had to be stopped for the second time after the Croatian fans were throwing fireworks on the pitch. And a fire being set off in the stands. Kuipers took the decision to take the players off the field after growing concerns of the players safety. 10 minutes later play resumed with the best chance of the game falling Croatia's way. After 86 minutes, Perišić was played through and really should have clinched all 3 points for the away side but saw his effort dragged wide after he was left unmarked on the right hand side of Italian's defence.
The game ended all square leaving both sides unbeaten. However mixed emotions must be running in the Croatian camp after nearly winning the game only for Perišić to his effort wide. They would still be the happier of the two sides with a draw after claiming a point in away from home.