Croatia draws 1-1 against Italy in Euro 2016 qualifier

 Croatia maintained its two-point lead over Italy atop Group H after drawing 1-1 against the Azzurri in a European Championship qualifying match in Split on Friday.

However, the game between the two sides will again be overshadowed by side events as a swastika pattern was clearly seen etched onto the pitch. The November qualifier at San Siro, which also ended in a 1-1 draw was temporarily halted by crowd trouble. It was unclear whether the symbol was mowed into the pitch or painted on the grass, but it was clearly marked in the middle of the half Italy was attacking in the first period.

Grounds crew attempted to cover it up during halftime, but to little avail. Croatia had to play Friday's match without any fans as punishment for racist chanting and other misconduct during last month's qualifier against Norway.