Irelands Rivals Win
Last updated : 07 February 2008 By Paul Jennings
World Cup qualification big guns Italy and Bulgaria both won their friendlies on Wednsday night to send out a warning to the Republic of Ireland. The managerless Republic lost 1-0 to the class of Brazil in Croke Park but the World Cup Holders Italy were impressive beating Portugal 3-1. Luca Toni, Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Quagliarella netted for the azzuri
Bulgaria played Northern Ireland in Belfast and won the game after Martin Petrov netted a deflected shot before half-time. Plamen Markov's side look to be the main obstacle for Ireland who must be realistic about fighting for second place and gain a play-off place.
