Italy lost 0-1 to the Republic of Ireland at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille for the final game of their European Championships group stage matches.
Jeff Hendrick looked lively for the Irish and had chances to get a shot in on target, but couldn’t beat Salvatore Sirigu. Simone Zaza and Lorenzo Insigne came close for the Azzurri, but it was Robbie Brady who scored the winner in the dying minutes.
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Italy
Salvatore Sirigu – 6 – Shaky
Handed a rare start in the place of Gianlugi Buffon by Antonio Conte, the Paris-Saint Germain shot-stopper picked up an unusual booking for pushing Shane Long. Made a huge save to keep it level, but couldn’t stop Brady from heading past him moments later.
Andrea Barzagli – 6 – Tough
Had a tough time with James McClean running at him, but had more joy tussling with Daryl Murphy. Had a quieter second half but did pick up a booking in the dying minutes for tugging on McClean’s shirt.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6 – Brutal
The Italian captain was uncompromising in his defensive duties, but lost Robbie Brady when the Irishman ghosted through and headed past Sirigu.
Angelo Ogbonna – 5.5 – Nervous
Showed an over exuberance in his defending, being drawn into fouling Shane Long. Had a break down in communication with Motta when the midfielder tried to pass to him but instead gave Seamus Coleman a chance to score.
Alessandro Florenzi – 6 – Overworked
The Roma man had rather a lot to do which may have over complicated his role, requiring all his concentration.
Federico Bernardeschi – 5.5 – Lucky
In the wars early on, lucky not to be penalised for fouling James McClean in the box and just couldn’t stamp his mark on the game.
Thiago Motta – 5.5 – Average
Involved himself in all aspects, stepping into the defensive role seamlessly. Almost gifted the Irish a goal when he passed the ball into the path of Seamus Coleman, but the right-back couldn’t convert.
Stefano Sturaro – 5.5 – Ineffective
Had a unproductive game where he failed to contribute enough both defensively or offensively.
Mattia De Sciglio – 6 – Decent
Stifled in the first half and wasn’t able to put in his crosses, but created a great opportunity for Zaza to volley it past Randolph but the striker fired over. Chipped in defensively and adapted to the movement of Seamus Coleman, came off for El Shaarawy late on.
Simone Zaza – 6 – Clumsy
Seemed too physical in his approach and was drawn into fouling his marker, something the Irish defenders were eager to exploit. Had a great opportunity when De Sciglio found him, but his volley went over the crossbar.
Ciro Immobile – 6 – Isolated
Had a strike from distance just before half time that had Darren Randolph sprawling, but the effort went wide. Forced into taking his shots from distance and dropping deep to retrieve the ball. Replaced by Insigne in the second half.
Substitutes
Lorenzo Insigne – 6.5 – Unfortunate
Thrown on by Conte in place of Immobile as the Italians looked to sneak a late winner, the Napoli man came close when he struck the post with a curling effort.
Stephan El Shaarawy – N/A
Late cameo for the newly-signed Roma winger.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com