Italy boss Antonio Conte believes his side deserved more from Friday's Group H European qualifier against Croatia, but also admitted they were hard done by an incorrectly-disallowed goal.
The Azzurri thought they were ahead in the 11th minute, when Stephan El Shaarawy turned in an inch-perfect Antonio Candreva cross from a wide right position.
The goal, however, was judged offside and subsequently disallowed.
During the Italians' protest of the call, Croatia raced down the field and scored through a Mario Mandzukic converted cross off the break.
The events leading to the goal irritated Conte, who criticized the play after the game.
"We were a bit naive, but we were convinced it was a goal and the players were celebrating. It was a double blow because the goal was not offside," he told Rai Sport.
"At the very least the referee should've found some reason to stop the counter-attack, in my view."
Conte, however, hailed his team's posture despite the disappointing draw in Croatia.
"I think we put in a good performance with character and courage. I am happy, but we know there's work to be done.
"The young players are growing and gaining experience, which is very important."
Additionally, the former Juventus coach credited his side's shape and noted improvement from the two teams' match in November.
"The 4-3-3 is a system that allows me to make the most of all the wide players the Serie A tournament is giving me.
"We had worked on it in training and it's important to know other systems. When the Juventus players are all here, the 3-5-2 is automatic for them.
"I think aside from the result it was a good performance and a huge step forward from the 1-1 draw against Croatia at San Siro in November.
"In fact, I think we deserved something more."