Ireland On A High After 'Italian Job' In Liege

International Friendly: Republic of Ireland 2 Italy 0

Goals in each half by Keith Andrews and Simon Cox settled this friendly against Italy at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne in Liege to ensure the Republic of Ireland ended a successful fortnight on a high.

The end of season program which began with victories over Northern Ireland and Scotland to claim the Carling Nations Cup got better with a defeat of Macedonia last Saturday to keep Ireland joint leaders with Russia and Slovakia at the top of UEFA qualifying Group B.

This result over the four-time World Champions just crowned a spectacular 14 days.

The opening goal of the game arrived on 36 minutes when Stephen Hunt laid a free-kick off to Andrews who advanced with a touch before rifling a low shot inside the near post of Italian goalkeeper Viviano.

It was a breakthrough that came following a period of sustained pressure from Italy but it provided Ireland with a lead they rarely looked likely to lose.

Indeed, Ireland grabbed their second goal of the evening in the last minute through a breakaway which involved Stephen Ward freeing Stephen Hunt down the left and he crossed for substitute Simon Cox to finish from close range.

While Italy continued to have the upper-hand in possession stakes for the second half, Irish goalkeeper David Forde had a quiet evening and ended his first senior start with a clean sheet.

Stout defending by captain Paul McShane and Darren O'Dea ensured the Italian attacking forays were mostly repeled before they developed into goalscoring chances.

Parma attacker Sebastian Giovinco had a few pots on goal, his free kick four minutes from the end which drifted over his best opportunity.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni saw enough from his much-changed side in Tuesday night's win to be happy about.

"Italy in the second half were much better and we suffered but we have played four difficult games in 15 days," Trap told Sky Sports following the 2-0 win.

"The team is going in a good direction. We had four or five young players who got experience, it's important because we have not got a squad of 30 players like the Italian team.

"Obviously every game we play to win, our aim is the result.

"The manager needs these friendly games because we played today Ward, we try again Cox, we tried again Long and Keogh. We need to create a team."