With both sides probably happy to emerge with a point apiece from their Group C opener, Croatia then boosted their hopes of challenging for a quarter-final place by beating Ireland 3-1 in the Polish city of Poznan.
Spain, the clear tournament favourites after mesmerising opponents to become European champions in 2008 and then world champions two years ago, saw their run of 14 straight wins in competitive matches end in their heavyweight clash in Gdansk.
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas soon quietened Italian celebrations after substitute Antonio Di Natale's goal on the hour, hammering in a 64th minute equaliser, but it failed to spark Spain into life.
"A pitch that is so dry does not do football or the spectators many favours," he told a news conference.
"If the pitch had been a bit quicker it would have been better for both teams and a better match."
It comes as a huge boost to coach Cesare Prandelli who will take satisfaction from what proved to be an astute substitution, Di Natale finishing clinically from Andrea Pirlo's pass just minutes after replacing the ineffective Mario Balotelli.
Croatia made a flying start to their campaign after an off-balance Mario Mandzukic headed Slaven Bilic's side ahead after three minutes.
Ireland were rocked again at the start of the second half when Mandzukic's header hit the post and ricocheted against the hapless Given's head and into the net.
Earlier, Croatian fans threw chairs, bottles and flares at Polish riot police before the game with three people arrested after the incident in Poznan's old town square.
