Reid gives Irish lifeline against classy Azzurri

17/08/2005 - 20:34:32
Ireland 1 Italy 2

Brian Kerr’s superb unbeaten home record as Republic of Ireland manager was hanging by a thread at half time as Italy were proving themselves a class act.

Kerr went into the game without a defeat in 17 matches at Lansdowne Road since his appointment, but just after the half hour his side trailed 2-0 following goals from Andrea Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino.

But Andy Reid’s first international goal for almost a year gave Ireland hope for the second half.