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The Luck of the Irish?

Last updated : 02 April 2009 By Paul Jennings
Giovanni Trapattoni was applauded into the press conference in Bari leading up to the Republic of Ireland showdown by the Italian media present. It is a sign of the respect and esteem that the Italian is held in within his country and the love they have for Trap. The Italian camp were making noises about it not being an easy game and the added fear Trapattoni brings to the stage. Their fears were proved right last night in Bari.

The match exploded into life within the first 3 minutes, when Italian Giampaolo Pazzini fouled John O'Shea and was shown a straight red card. This would eventually give Ireland a chance, but a mix up between Paul McShane and Andy Keogh brought about an opener for Vincenzo Iaquinta. Andrea Pirlo saw the run of Fabio Grosso behind a static Irish defence and found him with an inch perfect lofted pass. Grosso crossed low for the unmarked Vincenzo Iaquinta to slot home.

Trapattoni saw the danger down the side the goal came from and decided to go for it. He replaced Andy Keogh with Caleb Folan and dropped Robbie Keane into a deeper role in midfield. The formation change saw Ireland dominate 10 man Italy but it wasn't until the dying minutes when Robbie Keane popped up for his 38th international goal. Then a few minutes later Keane was in on goal again but blazed the ball over the bar.

This group will have many twists and turns but if Ireland can play like they did in the second half the outcome of this group may not be so bleak after all.