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Play was suspended briefly during Italy's Euro 2016 qualifier vs. Croatia in Milan after fireworks were thrown from the stands onto the playing surface. With the score level at 1-1, referee Bjorn Kuipers ordered both sides to leave the field. Just over 10 minutes later, the players returned and the match resumed. Flares were then thrown onto the field by the Croatia fans, with a hold-up before play was able to be resumed. The atmosphere continued to be hostile into the second half, and on 70 minutes Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers took the players off after more flares landed on the pitch, with Italian riot police going into the Croatia fans to try to restore order. Following a stoppage of around 12 minutes, the match eventually restarted, and Croatia spurned a great chance to win the tie when Perisic dragged his shot wide after being put away down the left, with the match finishing 1-1. Croatia are ahead of Italy on goal difference with both teams level on 10 points from four matches and facing possible sanctions once UEFA have compiled all the necessary reports.
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