Republic Of Ireland End Season On A High Against Italy

Italy 0-2 Republic of Ireland

Keith Andrews and co, celebrate after Andrews put Ireland in front.

Giovanni Trapattoni guided the Republic of Ireland to a 2-0 victory against his native Italy at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Liege, Belgium. This was only the second time ever the Republic have beaten Italy.

In a game of few clear-cut chances it was Ireland who made the most of their opportunities. Keith Andrews gave Ireland the lead, collecting a short lay-off from Stephen Hunt before burying a low drive past the outstretched Emiliano Viviano. With Italy pressing for an equaliser, Ireland broke away on the counter-attack with Hunt squaring for Simon Cox to clinch victory.

Italy’s best chance of the first half fell to Giampaolo Pazzini, but the FC Internazionale Milano forward shot wide from a tight angle. Cesare Prandelli’s men came close again minutes later but David Forde was on hand to tip over Antonio Nocerino’s thunderous long-range effort.

However, it was Ireland who took the lead on 36 minutes. Hunt rolling a free-kick into the path of Andrews who took one touch before smashing a low drive into the bottom left-hand corner for his second international goal. Ireland defended their lead resiliently before sealing the win on the break, Hunt made a charging run down the left before squaring for substitute Cox to tap in from close range.

Italy and Ireland return to UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying action on 2 September. The Azzurri, top of Group C, face the Faroe Islands and Ireland host Slovakia, the pair sharing the Group B lead with Russia.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.