Italy vs Republic of Ireland - Tactical Report

Republic of Ireland beat a much-changed Italy 1-0 with a dramatic late goal to enter the knockout stage of Euro 2016.

Antonio Conte made eight changes from the side that beat Sweden in the previous match with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, defender Giorgio Chiellini the notable absentees. Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile led the line with Thiago Motta anchoring the midfield. Republic of Ireland pushed Robbie Brady into a winger's role with Stephen Ward playing at left-back and gave Daryl Murphy a start alongside Shane Long up front.

The Irish have terrific aerial prowess in their side and they were using it to good effect, bombaring the Italian penalty area with crosses from Brady and Seamus Coleman on the other side. Coleman got a lot of space on the right flank with Jeff Hendrick cutting infield to free up space for the Everton full-back.

Italy had to make do with counter-attacking and one such moment almost led to a goal with second half substitute Lorenzo Insigne driving at the Irish defence and hitting the post from the edge of the box.

The goal arrived in the 85th minute when Wes Hoolahan sent in an inswinging cross from the right which was met by Robbie Brady (see picture) who timed his run into the box perfectly to nod the ball past an onrushing Salvatore Sirigu and send the Irish fans into raptures.