Big noise: Mario Mandzukic hit his thrid goal of Euro 2012 to draw Croatia level

Italy will need to be sharper in front of goal. Prompted again by the 33-year-old Pirlo as they had been against Spain, the Italians dominated the first half but it was mainly territorial dominance for 30 minutes.

Mario Balotelli was willing. It was not until the 37th minute that Croatia’s goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa made a save, though he delivered a double to thwart Claudio Marchisio. Two minutes later Balotelli was fouled on the edge of the area — Croatia manager Slaven Bilic disputed that as well as saying Howard Webb denied Croatia a first-half penalty.

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