Behind Poljud's closed doors
Another draw with Italy, Croatia remains on top
12.06.2015.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia remains top of Group H after another draw with Italy. Split witnessed the identical score as Milan in November.
CROATIA - ITALY 1:1 (1:1)
EURO 2016 Qualifiers, Group H.
Split, Poljud Stadium.
Referee: M. Atkinson (England)
Goalscorers: 1:0 - Mandžukić (11'), 1:1 - Candreva (36' - 11m)
Yellow cards: Buffon (11'), Mandžukić (36'), Olić (43'), Parolo (53'), Srna (54'), Marchisio (71'), Rebić (80'), Kovačić (87')
Croatia: Subašić, Pranjić (72' Vrsaljko), Schildenfeld, Vida, Srna, Brozović, Rakitić, Olić (46' Rebić), Kovačić (90+2 Leovac), Perišić, Mandžukić. Manager: N. Kovač.
Italy: Buffon (46' Sirigu), Darmian, Bonucci, Astori, De Silvestri (27' De Sciglio), Pirlo, Parolo, Marchisio, Candreva, El Shaarawy (80' Ranocchia), Pelle. Manager: A. Conte.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Behind closed doors at Poljud Stadium in Split, due to UEFA sanctions, Croatia faced Italy for the second time in EURO 2016 qualifying round.
However, there was no lack of excitement on the field. Seven minutes into the game, Astori fouled Srna to provide Mandžukić with an opportunity from the penalty spot, but Buffon rose to the occasion.
Four minutes later, El Shaarawy's goal was disallowed for offside, and Croatia scored in counterattack, with Rakitić assisting Mandžukić to beat Buffon.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Pirlo was trying to create chances for Italy, Perišić created a golden opportunity for Olić, Kovačić came close, and Italy was forced to replace injured De Silvestri in 27th minute.
Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subašić had to make two excellent saves in the first half, but Azzurri found the way to equalize. Candreva kept a very cool head to convert Mandžukić's handball past Subašić, after the second penalty kick of the match.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
In the second half, Kovač tried with Rebić, while Conte had to substitute injured Buffon, but both teams were less dangerous in attack.
Srna, Perišić and Rakitić took a shot for Croatia, Pirlo and Parolo tried to put Subašić under pressure, but to no avail. The closing minutes saw Croatian captain Srna sent off due to second bookable offence.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia and Italy had to be satisfied with a point, and Croatia remained unbeaten against the Azzurri for the eighth time in a row.
In Group H, on Friday night, Norway was held against Azerbaijan (0:0), while Bulgaria took the spoils at Malta (1:0). In September, Croatia is scheduled to visit Azerbaijan and Norway.
Group H:
1. Croatia 14
2. Italy 12
3. Norway 10
4. Bulgaria 8
5. Azerbaijan 4
6. Malta 1
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
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