With only four more qualifying games to go, this match was a must win game for both sides, as the winner would be in a very strong position to hold on to the top spot that was up for grabs.

The game got underway in the presence of an intimidating crowd at Bari, who were immediately treated to some very physical football. Only four minutes in, lightning struck the Azzurri as Giampaolo Pazzini saw a red card for an elbow on John O’Shea. Replays showed that the contact between the Italian’s elbow and the top floor of the Irishman was not voluntary. However, the referee appeared to be taken in by the bloody face of the Manchester United player, and promptly sent the forward to take an early shower. Apart from being sent off on his first start for his country, this is the first red that has been seen after the sending off of Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup.

Lippi then put Iaquinta into a more central role, as he became the lone striker up front. Within a span of minutes, Grosso chested down a pass from Pirlo, and cut it back to the Juve hit man, who made no mistake in helping his side take the lead. The hosts, who played a good game even though they were a man short, dominated the rest of the half. But a little before halftime, Hunt pushed Buffon to make the kind of save that has made him famous.

The second half saw Trapattoni’s men exert pressure on their opponents due to the presence of superior numbers on the pitch. However, some tactical substitutions by Lippi were paying off as La Nazionale was fending off every attack that came their way.

Being tired after holding off their opposition with lesser men, the game witnessed a fair share or Irish corners. But a counter attack led by Iaquinta almost resulted in another goal, but the end result was just not there. Drama ensued in the last minute of the game as a long goal kick that fell to Folan was sent to Keane, who volleyed it into the back of the net.

The game finished with honours even, as both sides will feel that they could have got all three points from this encounter. This places the home side two points above the second placed Ireland, and they retain the spot as the spearheads of the group.

Italy 1 – 1 Rep Ireland
Iaquinta 10 (It), Keane 89 (Ir)

Italy: Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso; Brighi, Pirlo (Palombo 46), De Rossi; Pepe (Dossena 55), Pazzini, Iaquinta (Quagliarella 90)

Republic of Ireland: Given; McShane, Dunne, O’Shea, Kilbane; Keogh (Folan 22), Whelan, Andrews (Gibson 54), S Hunt; Doyle (N Hunt 63), Keane

Ref: Stark (Ger)

Sent off: Pazzini 4 (I)

Football Italiano