Italy v Croatia – in pictures

Not only are these two sides locking horns on the football pitch, someone's dressed up the goats in the town clock as well. Nice touch Photograph: Marek Zakrzewski/EPA

Croatia gave the Republic of Ireland a right beating in their first game of the tournament. Now they've arrived in Poznan with blow-up dolls and broad smiles Photograph: Marek Zakrzewski/EPA

The spider-cam hangs down low and observes the players as they warm up. The big team news is that Mario Balotelli has retained his place in the Italian side despite a clumsy showing against Spain. That means Antonio Di Natale starts on the bench Photograph: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images

Croatia's Luka Modric is pipped to the ball by Italy's Claudio Marchisio. Wonder what Modric made of the news that his club boss Harry Redknapp was sacked by Tottenham last night? Photograph: Adam Ciereszko/EPA

Croatia's Ivan Strinic catches a ride on the back of Balotelli Photograph: Dominic Ebenbichler/Reuters

No-one knows where to point the finger of blame after another clash involving Balotelli Photograph: Dominic Ebenbichler/Reuters

Croatia have a strong penalty appeal turned down before Andrea Pirlo curls a free-kick into the bottom corner at the near post Photograph: Adam Ciereszko/EPA

That was a fine strike from the veteran. 1-0 to Italy at half-time Photograph: Brian Stewart/EPA

Antonio Cassano doesn't look particularly happy with the English referee Howard Webb Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

The game is interrupted twice in the second half aby flares thrown by Croatian fans. In the middle of those two stoppages, Croatia equalise ... Photograph: Gerry Penny/EPA

The goal comes through Mario Mandzukic who takes the ball down in the box and lashes a shot in off the near post Photograph: Anja Niedringhaus/AP

The Croatians celebrate wildly. As it srtands, they're top of the group, while Italy's chances of qualification have been heavily dented ... Photograph: Francisco Leong/AFP/Getty Images

... and that's how it ends, hence the despondent look on the face of Pirlo. Final score: 1-1 Photograph: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images