Euro Cup 2012 – Italy 2 – 0 Rep of Ireland

Cassano and Di Natale combining well in the opening 5 minutes but nothing comes of it after some good defending by the Republic of Ireland. Italy look to be all over this Irish team they could score a number of goals in this game.

Di Natale skips past Given and takes a shot from really far wide of the goal and its cleared off the line by the Republic of Ireland defence. The same phase of play Cassano strikes from really far out and it saved by Given but fumbled wide for a corner

from the corner the Italy goal comes, in the 35 minute with cassano rising and just getting a slight header on target. Given gets a hand on the ball and Duff attempts to clear the ball off the line but fails to stop the ball crossing the line before her does so. A well worked goal and it has been coming, but not the way you would expect.

The second half starts like the first with italy piling on the pressure, cassano having a great chance which is well block by dunne. Cassano then smashes the ball straight over the goal.

Ireland have their first good move of the game really with Kevin doyle shooting from long range which is bread and butter for Buffon.

Keith Andrews takes a free-kick which is an absolute bullet, well saved by Buffon. Ireland follow up the chance but it comes to nothing. Ireland coming more into the match now which isnt helped by Keith Andrews who gets a second yellow.

When Keith Andrews is sent off with a second yellow which he is furious! Kicking the microphone and having a scuffle with some of the Irish coaching staff. It was a second yellow hes let his team down there.

Balotelli scores very well from a good corner, Balotelli is told to shut up by one of his team mates after it looked like the Fiesty striker was going to start saying hes their best player. Really good man management shown by the Italy player there. Good goal though by Balotelli, excellent finish. Thats it the game finishes 2 – 0 to Italy and the Italy go through with Spain. Apologees that this is the shorter of the Spain write up I had to rush this one .