A goal that took the wind out of Italian sails before we parted ways for knockout football.
Ireland’s 1-0 win over Italy was our first tournament win for 14 years and it was hard fought.
Martin O’Neill’s men tore into Italy from the outset and tested the theory on whether Antonio Conte’s reserves were up for a scrap. A couple of the Italians certainly were – Simon Zaza, Andrea Barzagli and Matteo Di Sciglio had that look in their eyes – but Ireland battled harder.
Ireland battled to the death, even when it began to look as though they might fall short.
Wes Hoolahan missed a sitter with six minutes on the clock. That looked like that but another opportunity presented itself, with Hoolahan waving the wand, 60 seconds later.
Italian TV commentary on Rai 1 was more than gracious about Robbie Brady’s headed winner. The commentators felt Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu had been slightly to blame [‘pochissimo’] while twice declared that Ireland’s goal was well deserved [‘meritado’].
They then paused from their updated Group E permutations to praise Hoolahan for the quality of his cross.
Grazie
