MIRROR
Martin O'Neill's men had it all to do going into the final round of fixtures but progress to the last-16 as one of the best third-placed teams
Republic of Ireland kept their Euro 2016 campaign alive with a dramatic victory overItaly.
Martin O'Neill's men had it all to do going into the final round of fixtures but they progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
They huffed and puffed throughout the clash in Lille but couldn't find a way past Salvatore Sirigu.
That was until five minutes from time when Robbie Brady headed home Wes Hoolahan's cross.
Next up is the hosts France - but Irish will relish another clash against the big boys.
Here are five things we learned.
1. Lack of cutting edge almost costs O'Neill's side
There was plenty praise in this Irish display. The midfield rumbled around with huge intent, Jeff Hendrick taking control of matters in seriously impressive fashion.
The defence was, for the most part, solid. On the wing, James McClean proved a thorn in the side of the Italy backline for long periods.
Yet old weaknesses also came to the fore. Without Jonathan Walters, the attack just did not have the drive and cutting edge to punish an under-strength Azzurri side.
Shane Long is a willing runner but fed on scraps, while Daryl Murphy was unable to exert an influence.
That was until Brady popped up to head home Hoolahan's cross to spark scenes of jubilation.
2. Italy's defensive dark arts alive and well
It's a cliche to bemoan the more scurrilous tactics of Italian defenders, but still... there was plenty of evidence here to suggest that the tradition is very much alive and well in 2016.
There were wrestling moves from West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna on Daryl Murphy.
There was some tugging from Leonardo Bonucci.
Thiago Motta went through his usual repertoire of funny business.
On a poor pitch against a side that huffed and puffed, it was actually fairly enjoyable to watch.
3. Hendrick at heart of Irish play
Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 campaign hasn't been one to remember - but the performances of Jeff Hendrick have been a real highlight.
He was excellent in the opener against Sweden and very unlucky to not find the net.
The Derby man came within inches of scoring against Italy too with his rasping left-footed effort flashing wide of Sirigu's post.
Like many others, he has put himself in the shop window with impressive displays in France and Derby face a battle to keep hold of him.
Will their failure to secure promotion cost them?
4. Euros better off with Irish fans
They've headed to France in their thousands and the Irish have enjoyed every single moment.
While results and performances on the field weren't great ahead of this one, their displays off it have been superb.
Once again, around 2/3 of the stadium was a sea of green as the travelling support roared their team on.
From the first minute to the last, they were in full voice but the goal they craved just wouldn't come.
Until Brady scored.
Their fans deserved it.
5. Conte shuffles - but not fully
With first place in the group already sown up, it was not surprising that Antonio Conte changed up his side a bit here.
Alessandro Florenzi, Simone Zaza and Thiago Motta were among those to come in, getting some vital tournament minutes.
It was a bit odd, though, that Conte kept Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci in the XI – especially as the latter was walking a disciplinary tightrope on a yellow card.
Will Chelsea fans see that kind of decision making at Stamford Bridge next term?
Teams
Italy: Sirigu, Barzagli, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Bernardeschi (Darmian, 60), Sturaro, Motta, Florenzi, De Sciglio, Zaza, Immobile (Insigne, 74).
Ireland: Randolph, Coleman, Duffy, Keogh, Ward, Hendrick, McCarthy (Hoolahan 77), Brady, McClean, Long, Murphy (McGeady, 70).
Match Stats — Team Stats
ITALYV.REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Italy
- 12S. Sirigu
- 19L. Bonucci
- 15A. Barzagli
- 5A. Ogbonna
- 10T. Motta
- 8A. Florenzi
- 21F. Bernardeschi
- 2M. De Sciglio
- 14S. Sturaro
- 11C. Immobile
- 7S. Zaza
Substitutes
- 1G. Buffon
- 20L. Insigne
- 4M. Darmian
- 18M. Parolo
- 22S. El Shaarawy
- 13F. Marchetti
- 17Éder
- 16D. De Rossi
- 23E. Giaccherini
- 6A. Candreva
- 3G. Chiellini
- 9G. Pellè
- Coach
- Antonio Conte
Republic of Ireland
- 23D. Randolph
- 5R. Keogh
- 12S. Duffy
- 2S. Coleman
- 17S. Ward
- 11J. McClean
- 13J. Hendrick
- 19R. Brady
- 8J. McCarthy
- 21D. Murphy
- 9S. Long
Substitutes
- 1K. Westwood
- 10R. Keane
- 16S. Given
- 22S. Quinn
- 7A. McGeady
- 3C. Clark
- 15C. Christie
- 4J. O'Shea
- 14J. Walters
- 18D. Meyler
- 20W. Hoolahan
- 6G. Whelan
- Coach
- Martin O'Neill
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