Russia add to Azzurri woes

Russia beat Ireland’s Group C rivals Italy 3-0 last night to cap a dismal week for Italian football.

Alexander Kerzhakov broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Roman Shirokov scored into an empty net in the 76th minute after a mix-up between substitute goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis and Christian Maggio. Maggio was again at fault for Russia’s third, which Shirokov headed home in the 89th minute to hand Italy a third straight loss. Meanwhile Ireland’s opponents on Monday, Hungary beat the Czech Republic 2-1 last night.