Republic of Ireland have advanced to the knockout stage of Euro 2016 courtesy of a 1-0 win over Italy in Lille, which was enough to see them qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Martin O'Neill's side needed to overcome the four-time world champions to secure a spot in the first knockout round, and Robbie Brady's 85th-minute winner was enough to send the Irish into the last-16 of a European Championship for the first time in their history.
© AFP
As expected, it was an all-action start in Lille as Republic of Ireland looked to put down a marker with a number of strong challenges, just as assistant manager Roy Keane had asked for in the build-up to the Group E clash.
The first shot of the match came in the ninth minute when Jeff Hendrick unleashed one from distance after bullying Thiago Motta off the ball, but the Republic of Ireland midfielder's effort just swung wide of the far post.
Italy boss Antonio Conte made eight changes to his lineup, but Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli both kept their places at the back and Republic of Ireland were struggling to break through a stern defence as play developed.
Daryl Murphy was the first player in white to test Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu and the 29-year-old had to be alert to keep out a close-range header from the Ipswich Town striker at the mid-point of the first period.
© AFP
Shane Duffy was next to come close for O'Neill's side in the 32nd minute as Italy were forced to defend their penalty box from a series of crosses, but the centre-back headed wide of the far post.
Republic of Ireland continued to threaten in the latter stages of the first period as Brady impressed with his set-piece delivery, but Italy came close to an opener themselves in the 43rd minute - Ciro Immobile just missing the post with a powerful strike from distance.
The most controversial moment of the first half arrived in the 44th minute when Federico Bernardeschi bundled into the back of McClean inside the Italian box, but the referee was not interested and waved play on.
Simone Zaza almost scored a spectacular opener for Italy in the 53rd minute after a Mattia De Sciglio cross from the left, but the Juventus forward just missed the target with a clever volley, which had appeared destined for the net.
© Getty Images
Four minutes later, Republic of Ireland had their first real chance of the second period after some slack defending from Motta, but Seamus Coleman's powerful effort was blocked by Angelo Ogbonna.
Hendrick was next to try his luck for O'Neill's side just past the hour, but the Derby County midfielder missed the target as Italy continued to defend deep and close the space in the final third.
Aiden McGeady was introduced 20 minutes from time as Republic of Ireland prepared a late rally, and the attacker showed smart feet in a forward position before firing over the crossbar in the 75th minute of action.
Lorenzo Insigne came close to sending Italy ahead 12 minutes from time after riding a host of challenges and curling a low effort towards the bottom corner, but the ball smashed off the outside of the post.
Wes Hoolahan appeared to have fluffed Republic of Ireland's best chance in the 84th minute when he failed to beat Sirigu from close range, but O'Neill's side were ahead less than one minute later when Brady headed a Hoolahan cross home from close range to send his supporters into ecstasy.
In a repeat of the Euro 2012 final, Italy will take on reigning champions Spain in the last-16 stage of the competition on Monday night at the Stade de France, while Republic of Ireland will face hosts France on Sunday afternoon in Lyon.
No Data Analysis info
Germany
Hungary
Scotland
Switzerland
Albania
Croatia
Italy
Spain
Denmark
England
Serbia
Slovenia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Romania
Slovakia
Ukraine
Czech Republic
Georgia
Portugal
Turkey
