Morrison up front for Ireland

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr threw caution to the wind and named a strong attacking line-up in a bid to gain a confidence-boosting win ahead of next month’s vital World Cup qualifier with France.

Kerr opted for a three-pronged strikeforce against Italy at Lansdowne Road, with Clinton Morrison sandwiched by Andy Reid and Damien Duff, allowing Steven Reid to join Matt Holland and Kevin Kilbane in a three-man midfield.

Kerr preferred Steve Finnan ahead of Steve Carr at right-back and John O’Shea on the left ahead of Ian Harte, while skipper Kenny Cunningham was partnered by Richard Dunne in central defence.

Italy, still to start their Serie A season, awarded a third cap to Monaco goalkeeper Flavio Roma with Gianluigi Buffon out for two months with a shoulder injury, while there was a first appearance for a year for Juventus striker Alessandro del Piero.

Rep of Ireland v Italy teams

Rep of Ireland: Given, Finnan, Cunningham, Dunne, O’Shea, Holland, Kilbane, Steven Reid, Andy Reid, Duff, Morrison.

Subs: Carr, O’Brien, Harte, Breen, Kenny, Doherty, Miller, Quinn, Elliott, Colgan.

Italy: Roma, Zaccardo, Cannavaro, Nesta, Zambrotta, Gattuso, Pirlo, De Rossi, Del Piero, Vieri, Gilardino.

Subs: De Sanctis, Toni, Barzagli, Materazzi, Grosso, Mesto, Diana, Barone, Iaquinta, Guardalben.

Referee: Paulo Costa (Portugal)