For so long it looked like Martin O'Neill's men, who had delivered the performance of a generation, would not get the goal they needed.

But with five minutes to go, Brady got his head on the end of sub Wes Hoolahan's inviting cross to lift the roof off the Stade Pierre Mauroy.

It was no more than Ireland – and O'Neill – deserved, on a night for heroes in Lille.

Italian boss Antonio Conte announced eight changes to the side that defeated Sweden last time out, but this was Ireland's victory, not Italy's loss.

Italy retained their 3-5-2 formation, with experienced skipper Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Alessandro Florenzi the only remaining players.

O'Neill made four changes, with Shane Duffy making only his fourth appearance alongside Richard Keogh, with the misfiring Ciaran Clark out, and veteran John O'Shea dropped for the first time in 13 years.

James McClean and Daryl Murphy also got the nod and with the roof of the Stade Pierre Mauroy stadium shut, the Ireland fans – who knew their team had to win or bust – made a racket before the game had even kicked off.

They were entertained in Stade de France and bored in Bordeaux, but Lille had potential to be something historic and the first 45 minutes showed how very possible it was.

Inside five minutes the Irish intent was clear – to bully, and to dominate.

Seamus Coleman, skipper for the night, and McClean were both lucky to avoid bookings for crunching tackles, and then on ten minutes, Hendrick was unlucky not to score.

Murphy nodded on from a long ball, and the Derby man cut inside and rifled a stunning left foot effort inches wide of Sirigu's post.

Murphy was involved again on 20 minutes, his header from a corner forcing Sirigu to palm it over the bar as Ireland took complete control.

The boys in white were stroking the ball around, with Hendrick and Brady so comfortable in possession, and McClean and McCarthy working hard.

Brady rained free kicks toward the Italian goal, as McClean and Long won free after free, but Sirigu was not seriously tested.

Immobile, after a dive, fired Italy's only shot wide as the sides went in goalless, but how Ovidiu Hategan the Romanian referee failed to award a penalty after Bernardeschi's foul on McClean still baffles.

Zaza and Hendrick traded shots as the hour mark passed, with Ireland still chasing that crucial goal.

Aiden McGeady was sprung from the bench with 20 minutes to go, as O'Neill turned to his former Celtic star for inspiration.

Hoolahan arrived minutes later, as Ireland went all out for the win they so desperately desired – and their play deserved.

The Norwich star was clean through on goal moments later but incredibly side footed it meekly into Sirigu's to squander the best chance of the game.

But all was not lost as the little maestro picked the ball from McGeady, cut inside and delivered the most tempting ball that Brady was so thrilled to nod home.