Azzurri on right track, says thrilled Lippi

MARCELLO LIPPI has saluted his players for their “exceptional” performance at Lansdowne Road, especially the manner in which they slotted into a new “trident” attack system.

“Ireland fought hard and could’ve equalised at the end, but we had six or seven goal scoring opportunities and inevitably fell off the pace after an hour,” Lippi said yesterday.

“I am satisfied with the progress of the team and how they are working in precarious fitness conditions. We’re on the right track and the first half performance was exceptional.”