Croatia and Italy draw behind closed doors in EURO 2016 qualifiers

Croatia and Italy played out to a 1-1 draw on Friday in a Group H game of Euro 2016 qualifiers behind closed doors at Poljud Stadium in Split.

Croatia was without help of its vocal fans as European Football Association (UEFA) imposed a one match ban on Croatian Football Federation (CFF) for fans behavior during their last home match against Norway played on March 28 in Zagreb.

Unfortunately, there was another shameful incident that could be damaging for the image and budget of CFF even without fans in the stands. Large portion of the pitch at Poljud Stadium has been cut in the shape of giant swastika, symbol of German Nazi regime. It has been visible from the stands and from the air. There is no doubt that UEFA representative took note of that before groundsman intervened in the half-time to cover it.

There were some notable absentees among the players on both sides. Croatia couldn't count on injured Real Madrid star Luka Modric and experienced defender Vedran Corluka who served a one match suspension and Italian head coach Antonio Conte had to rule out PSG midfielder Marco Verratti, Roma veteran Daniele De Rossi, Juventus defending pair Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli and Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza, all out because of injuries.

Most of the action happened in the first half of the match and Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic appeared to be in the main role on both sides of the pitch. In a span of four minutes Mandzukic missed a penalty and than scored in 11th minute from a close range on an assist from FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic. Just 20 seconds before Croatia got into the lead Italy scored, but Stephan El Shaarawy's goal was disallowed because of an alleged offside position of AC Milan striker.

El Shaarawy was close to scoring an equalizer in 32nd minute but Croatian goalkeeper Daniel Subasic managed to make a save.

Italy got a well deserved goal in the 36th minute from the penalty spot after Mandzukic accidentally handled the ball in the box. Lazio winger Antonio Candreva made a slick move sending Subasic on the ground and putting the ball into the net.

Croatia now has 14 points from six matches and leads Group H while Italy stays in second place with 12 points. Norway managed only a 0-0 draw against Azerbaijan at home and is in third place with 10 points, while Bulgaria in fourth place with 8 points after an away 1-0 win at Malta.

The best two teams in the group will earn a direct qualification for Euro 2016 final tournament.

Croatia will play the next match of this qualifying campaign in September in Azerbaijan against the team managed by Robert Prosinecki, member of Croatian Golden Generation that won bronze medal at the 1998 World Cup. Endi