Ireland Under 21s set for play-off after loss to Italy

TALLAGHT man, Jim Crawford’s Republic of Ireland Under 21s fell short in their quest for automatic qualification to next year’s European Championships in Romania and Georgia after losing 4-1 to Italy in Ascoli yesterday.

Despite Conor Coventry firing home a second-half penalty, Italian goals courtesy of Nicolò Rovella, Nicolò Cambiaghi, Pietro Pellegri and Giacomo Quagliata meant the boys-in-green have been forced to settle for second spot in Group F qualification.

It is far from over for this Ireland squad, who were already guaranteed of an historic play-off spot at the very least and will eagerly await next Tuesday’s draw for that qualifying phase.

Having survived an early scare when goalkeeper Brian Maher saved with his feet from a Pellegri shot, Ireland eventually fell behind when Rovella slotted home from the penalty spot on the stroke of 20 minutes.

Seventeen-year-old Evan Ferguson was doing his best to make an impact in the Irish attack, but Italy ultimately brought a 2-0 cushion into the interval after Cambiaghi found the net from distance.

Ireland were up against it as a result, but when a mix-up between Maher and Mark McGuinness presented Pellegri with a simple finish just one minute into the second half, it effectively placed the final outcome beyond doubt.

Coventry’s 62nd minute goal from the spot did offer Ireland some solace and Crawford subsequently introduced his fellow Tallaght native Mipo Odubeko off the bench. However, Italy remained in control and Quagliata rounded off a comfortable victory for the home team.