SM
Friday, November 8
Upcoming predictions and previews
IN
International Friendlies
May 31, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
RO

0-0

 
FT

Italy held by Republic of Ireland at Craven Cottage

:Headline: Result: Italy held by Republic of Ireland at Craven Cottage: ID:157750: from db_amp
Italy's World Cup warm-up schedule gets off to a slow start as they are held to a goalless draw by the Republic of Ireland at Craven Cottage.

Italy's World Cup preparations have got off to an unspectacular start as they were held to a goalless draw by the Republic of Ireland at Craven Cottage this evening.

Cesare Prandelli's men began the match strongly and almost took the lead inside five minutes when Claudio Marchisio's effort from range was tipped wide by David Forde.

However, the Azzurri were soon dealt a blow as Riccardo Montolivo was stretchered off, and that seemed to spark Ireland into life as both Anthony Pilkington and David Meyler saw efforts denied by Salvatore Sirigu.

Martin O'Neill's side continued to push for the opening goal, and they almost got it shortly after the half-hour mark when a good move resulted in Stephen Ward flashing a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but it was just too far in front of his teammates.

They threatened again just two minutes later as Aiden McGeady stood the ball up to the back post for Shane Long, but his header was saved by Sirigu.

The Italian keeper was called into action again at the start of the second half, denying Long once more after the Hull City striker had been slipped through by Wes Hoolahan.

Pilkington was the next to threaten for Ireland as he cut inside from the left before drilling his strike narrowly past the far post.

Italy started to come into the game more as the half wore on, with Leonardo Bonucci and Marchisio both coming close with efforts soon after the hour mark.

Ireland came inches away from finally breaking the deadlock with a little over 10 minutes remaining as Stephen Quinn's effort smashed against the bar, while McGeady's rebound was saved by Sirigu.

Neither side could conjure up another chance in the closing stages as they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in West London.

amp_article__157750 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2014-06-06 10:36:53:
html db last update - 2014-06-06 10:36:53 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .