Italy U19 0-0 Republic of Ireland U19
The Republic of Ireland Under 19s held a strong Itay side to a scoreless draw in Corato, just outside Bari, in the first of two friendlies between the countries on Tuesday afternoon.
Against a very strong physical side on a bumpy pitch, Ireland competed well to deservedly claim the draw with Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Darren Randolph making two vital saves for Ireland.
However, Italy can also count themselves fortunate to escape with a draw as both Diarmuid O'Carroll and Michael Collins had good chances to give Ireland the lead.
Manager Sean McCaffrey said: "It was a great performance on a bumpy pitch. We started nerviously but I think towards the end, we were the stronger and better side.
"We gave away a lot to them physically - we had nine players who are eligible for Under 19 next year and they had just one - but we coped very well.
"There were a few good debuts as well. Gary Dicker did well at right back and Richard Keogh was strong at centre half but it was a good all round performance."
Ireland play Italy again on Thursday afternoon.
Team: Darren Randolph (Charlton Athletic), Gary Dicker (UCD), Richard Keogh (Stoke City), Darren O'Dea (Celtic), Ian Morris (Leeds United); Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Michael Collins (Huddersfield), John Paul Kelly (Unattached), Steven Foley (Aston Villa); Jonathan Hayes (Reading), Andy Keogh (Leeds United - on loan at Bury). Subs: Travis Binnion (Sheffield United) for Morris, Diarmuid O'Carroll for Hayes (both half time). |