Italy 0 Republic of Ireland 1: Robbie Brady snatches 85th-minute winner to book Euro 2016 last-16 clash with hosts France
Norwich star's header saves Martin O'Neill's men from an early exit against under-strength Italians
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ROBBIE BRADY scored a dramatic late header to snatch victory over Italy and book Republic of Ireland a place in the last 16 of Euro 2016.
Brady stole in to get on the end of a wondeful cross from Norwich teammate Wes Hoolahan to nod home the 85th minute winner that secured the three points.
Martin O'Neill's side had been staring down the barrel of elimination until that point knowing they needed a win to get out of Group E.
And Brady's strike was enough for Ireland to finish third and book a knock-out round clash with France in Lyon on Sunday.
The changes Antonio Conte made to his side allowed Ireland to seize the initiative from the start as they looked to make an early breakthrough.
And Jeff Hendrick was only inches away from doing exactly that, watching in agony as his fierce 20-yard drive whistled past the post.
And Ireland again went close on 20 minutes when Daryl Murphy rose high to power in a header that Salvatore Sirigu just managed to tip away for a corner.
As the half wore on, Italy finally began to adjust to the pace of the game, and they were unlucky to see Ciro Immobile's shot pass just wide of goal.
Then on the stroke of half-time came a moment of controversy when the Irish were left fuming they hadn't been awarded a penalty.
James McClean was sent tumbling by a clumsy challenge from Federico Bernardeschi but referee Ovidiu Hatigan waved away their appeals for a spot-kick.
Italy grew more comfortable as the second half developed, leaving Ireland to become more frantic in their efforts to go forward.
And they were lucky to avoid going behind to a sucker punch when Simone Zaza was given space to volley inches over the bar from the edge of the area.
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As Ireland committed more men forward in search of a way through, Italy began to threaten more on the break and only the woodwork denied them the opening goal on 77 minutes when sub Lorenzo Insigne struck the base of the post.
Wes Hoolahan was thrown on by O'Neill to try to make the difference - and he almost made an immediate impact but when clean through on goal could only shoot weakly at Sirigu.
That looked to have been the final chance gone begging, but Hoolohan made amends a minute later, curling in a delicious ball for Brady to head home.
The goal sent players and supporters into a frenzy, but the Republic regained their composure to see out the remainder of the match and keep alive their Euro dreams.
SECOND ROUND FIXTURES
Saturday 25 June
Switzerland v Poland - 2pm
Wales v Northern Ireland - 5pm
Croatia v Portugal - 8pm
Sunday 26 June
France v Republic of Ireland - 2pm
Germany v Slovakia - 5pm
Hungary v Belgium - 8pm
Monday 27 June
Italy v Spain - 5pm
England v Iceland - 8pm