Italy 0-0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland Under-16s were unlucky not to win their second successive game at the Italian international tournament on Thursday whey they were held scoreless by the host nation in Latina.
John Morlings side had opened with a 1-0 over Ukraine on Tuesday and were desperately unlucky not to have an interval lead.
Their best chance arrived on 13 minutes when Jack Grealish and Gary O Neill exchanged passes before releasing Thomas Mulroney who forced the goalkeeper into tipping his shot around the post.
Italy finished the half stronger with Federico Mattiello spinning just inside the box and clipping the outside of the post with a low effort.
Staunch defending by Ireland centre-backs Dan O Reilly and Kyle McFadden, together with superb goalkeeping from Shane Fagan between the sticks, repelled the Italians early in the second half as they enjoyed their most dominant spell.
Ireland were still partial to attacking and the industrious Grealish smashed a decent chance over the crossbar.
Sam Byrne might have notched the winner a minute from time as a free-kick into the box by substitute Darren Murphy picked out the striker in the space but the St. Josephs Boys forward could only nod the ball over.
"A draw was a fair result as both sides created chances to nick it," said Morling afterwards.
"We have played two top class sides, Ukraine and Italy, so far and not conceded. I have been pleased with the amount of goalscoring opportunities our midfielders and strikers have created too.
"17 of the 18 players have been involved in the two matches and all squad members will have played a decent amount of football by the time our last game against Denmark on Saturday finishes."
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Fagan (Cherry Orchard), Hayes (St. Josephs Boys), Coyne (Cherry Orchard), McFadden (Swilly Rovers), Dan O Reilly (Cherry Orchard), Lyons (Barna United), McGrath (Nenagh FC), Byrne (St. Josephs Boys), O Neill (Kingdom Boys), Grealish (Aston Villa), Mulroney (Crumlin United).
Substitutions: McGlade (Shelbourne) for Lyons (54 mins), Mullaney (Portlaoise) for Hayes (59 mins), Murphy (Rockmount) for O Neill (73 mins).
U16 Italy International Friendly Tournament
Tuesday 12 October
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Ukraine - Aprilia, Latina
Gary O Neill
Thursday 14 October
Italy 0-0 Republic of Ireland - Aprilia, Latina
Saturday 17 October
Republic of Ireland v Denmark - Aprilia, Latina. |
