Italy U21 1-0 Ireland U21
Vittorio Parigini came off the bench to end the Republic of Ireland's perfect start to their European U-21s Championship qualifying campaign in Italy.
The Perugia midfielder struck in the 66th minute in Vicenza, five minutes after replacing Alberto Cerri, to seal a 1-0 victory for the Azzurri and condemn Noel King's side to their first defeat after three successive Group 2 victories.
Defeat was even tougher to take for Ireland as the Italians played the final 20 minutes with only 10 men after Fiorentina striker Federico Bernardeschi was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Ireland had gone close to a 17th-minute opener when Manchester City midfielder Jack Byrne, who is currently on loan at SC Cambuur in Holland, was denied by Italy keeper Alessio Cragno, and both Sean Kavanagh and substitute Dylan Connolly had good opportunities as time ran down Stadio Romeo Menti.
However, Parigini's contribution ultimately proved decisive to leave Italy, Ireland and Serbia, who won 2-0 in Lithuania, locked together on nine points with the Republic having played one game more.
