Azzurri take win against Ireland
17/08/2005 - 21:31:52Ireland 1 Italy 2
Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr will be hoping this was merely a friendly lull ahead of a storm he will want to see unleashed on France next month.
The fact this was Kerr’s first defeat in 18 Lansdowne Road matches – after 12 wins and five draws – since his appointment two and a half years ago, will not prove of particular concern.
What will, with the World Cup qualifier at home to France just three weeks away, was the way in which his side were torn apart in the opening 30 minutes in particular, with Andy Reid’s 32nd minute strike proving a consolation to Andrea Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino’s opening strikes.
Full report to follow...
