Nine-man Irish pull off miracle victory in Italy

Italy Under-21s 2 Republic of Ireland Under-21s 4

Even more admirable for Noel King’s new-look side was them managing the landslide in Casarano despite finishing with nine men and surviving two floodlight failures.

Defeat against Hungary last Thursday ended Ireland’s qualification hopes and they also lost their star turn Brady to the senior ranks. However, an Irish side featuring six players making their first starts at this level inflicted the only defeat in eight on Italy.