Mario Mandzukic's third goal of Euro 2012 has secured a point for Croatia in a 1-1 draw with Group C rivals Italy at Poznan's Municipal Stadium.

The Azzurri started brightly and nearly found an opening inside the first three minutes when Mario Balotelli's shot on the turn went narrowly wide.

The striker had another effort blocked soon after with Claudio Marchisio fizzing the rebound over from 25 yards.

Balotelli was again in the thick of the action when his fierce drive was punched away by Stipe Pletikosa.

Croatia's first opportunity came midway through the half as Nikica Jelavic was inches away from getting on the end of Darijo Srna's low cross.

However, Italy finally got themselves in front seven minutes before the break when Andrea Pirlo curled in a trademark free kick over the wall and past Pletikosa.

Slaven Bilic's men enjoyed some early pressure on the Italian goal in the second half, but they were unable to convert any of their possession into an equaliser.

Instead, Balotelli came close to extending his side's lead on the hour when he flashed a shot over the bar.

Croatia eventually got themselves level with 20 minutes to play as Mario Mandzukic bagged his third goal of the tournament thanks to a smart finish at the back post from Ivan Strinic's cross.

Despite both sides having enough time to find a winner, they were both guilty of a lack of attacking intent as the match ended with honours even.