Ireland held hosts Italy to a 0-0 draw at Viola Park in Florence on Friday in an International Friendly.
It was an impressive performance for Ireland’s first game under Eileen Gleeson as permanent manager, as Italy are ranked 14th in the world — 10 places higher than Ireland.
Amber Barrett and Leanne Kiernan, both subbed on at 63 mins, combined to see the ball hit the back of the net at 73 mins, but Kiernan’s effort was ruled offside.
🇮🇹 0-0 🇮🇪
Borderline offside denies Leanne Kiernan a wonderful team goal📱Live updates https://t.co/mCg39CwpzB
📺Watch live https://t.co/58N1nTXdAZ pic.twitter.com/dQLbpIQPYz— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 23, 2024
Italy had several good chances especially with Michela Catena but no result.
It’s an encouraging result for Ireland ahead of the Euro 2025 qualifiers in April and Tuesday’s friendly against Cymru (live on RTE2 at 7:30 p.m.), especially considering the injuries weakening the team, with Jamie Finn, Denise O’Sullivan, Tyler Toland, and Sinead Farrelly all out.
Niamh Fahey was named Player of the Match.