U20s stake claim for squad places with classy win

Republic of Ireland U20 2 Italy U20 0

Smith announces his 20-man squad tomorrow and will have plenty of difficult decisions to make having watched a side that included 10 changes from Ireland's last game a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic completely outclass last season's European U19 Champions.

Italy hit the post twice but were largely confined to set-pieces as Ireland dominated possession. After a nervy start, Ireland settled and could have gone in front on 10 minutes when Kevin Doyle was released down the right by Glenn Whelan's brilliant long pass and cut in past Gastaldello only to shoot wide.