Italy and Croatia played out a 1-1 draw in Group C of Euro 2012 on Thursday night.

The Azzurri went into the lead in the first-half through Andrea Pirlo, however Mario Mandzukic made it three goals in two tournament games when he squared things up in the second 45.

Croatia boss Slaven Bilic has admitted that he is glad his side worked to get back into the game.

"Italy showed once again they're an exceptional team but I have to congratulate my team for showing willpower and character to fight back in the second half," he told reporters after the game.

"We had a lot of problems containing (Mario) Balotelli and (Antonio) Cassano in the first half because our midfield was stretched against theirs but we adjusted our strategy in the second half and threw more men forward."

In another interview after the game Bilic revealed that he felt that referee Howard Webb had favoured his side's opponents.

"Many coaches do not like to talk about the referees, but I do not agree with that," Bilic admitted.

"Perhaps I am not going to be objective, but there was a penalty on Nikica Jelavic, while the foul which preceded Pirlo's free-kick goal did not exist.

"I do not want to stir up controversy, but the referee favoured Italy."

Croatia move onto four points and have Spain to play, whilst Italy are on two points and will face Ireland in their last game.

By Gareth McKnight