Heartbreak for Ireland under-21s as late Gnonto goal steals point for Italians 

Jim Crawford’s charges looked like they were about to shoot to the top of their European qualifying group with a brilliantly executed game plan against the top seeds before the Leeds United striker’s deflected heart-breaker.

LATE HEARTBREAK: Sinclair Armstrong of the Republic of Ireland in action against Diego Coppola of Italy. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

UEFA European Under-21 Qualifiers Group A 

Republic of Ireland 2 (Phillips 31, Armstrong 47) Italy 2 (Gnonto 45+1 pen, 90+6)