Ireland secure triumph against Italy

Giovanni Trapattoni guided the Republic of Ireland to a 2-0 victory against his native Italy at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Liege, Belgum.

In a game of few clear-cut chances it was Ireland who made the most of their opportunities. Keith Andrews gave them the lead, collecting a short lay-off from Stephen Hunt before burying a low drive past the outstretched Emiliano Viviano. With Italy pressing for an equaliser, Ireland broke away on the counterattack with Hunt squaring for Simon Cox to clinch victory.

Italy's best chance of the first half fell to Giampaolo Pazzini, but the FC Internazionale Milano forward shot wide from a tight angle. Cesare Prandelli's men came close again minutes later but David Forde was on hand to tip over Antonio Nocerino's thunderous long-range effort.

However, it was Ireland who took the lead on 36 minutes. Hunt rolling a free-kick into the path of Andrews who took one touch before smashing a low drive into the bottom left-hand corner for his second international goal. Ireland defended their lead resiliently before scoring again on the break as Hunt made a charging run down the left and teed up substitute Cox to tap in from close range.

Italy and Ireland return to UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying action on 2 September. The Azzurri, top of Group C, face the Faroe Islands and Ireland host Slovakia, the pair sharing the Group B lead with Russia.