Ireland 3-3 Italy

Fighting against former world champions Italy, not to mention a hostile referee, Ireland pulled off a historic result and gained their first points of the new Championship.
Ireland went into the lead when Joshua MacCroppenstadt (known as Paddy to his friends) wormed his way through a somewhat static Italian defense. Ireland held onto the lead until just before half-time, when Italy drew level with a fierce and accurate shot from Max. Ireland's lead was restored however when Luca O'Cerri struck.
Italy drew level again in the second half when Max drove a corner at Danilo O'Cressman and the ball was fumbled over the line. A pity for O'Cressman, who had a good game all round.
Italy then piled on the pressure and Simone put them 3-2 ahead and then hit the post (as usual).
It looked all over for the Irish but, urged on by Trapattoni from the sidelines, they put in one final effort which then paid off. A kind ball fell to MacCroppenstadt and he tucked it away to send the Irish home happy.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Joshua 5, Jonathan 5, Max 2, Jiaqi 2, Francisco 3, Danilo 1, Emilio 1, Andrea Ooi 1, Simone 1