Republic of Ireland Women hold hosts Italy to goalless draw | OneFootball

Italy’s Cristiana Girelli is tackled by Republic of Ireland’s Izzy Atkinson. (Sara Esposito / SPP)

Republic of Ireland’s first match of 2024 saw them hold Italy to a goalless draw at Viola Park in Florence.

Eileen Gleeson’s team did have the ball in the net against the side ranked 14th in the world but Leanne Kiernan’s effort was ruled offside.

Michela Catena came off the bench to go closest for Italy, while Jessie Stapleton impresses in centre midfield on her first senior start and defender Niamh Fahey earned the Sky Player of the Match award.

Italy celebrate Sara Gama’s last international match. (Sara Esposito / SPP)

Other senior international friendlies played on Friday saw Switzerland beat Poland 4-1 in Spain with Alisha Lehmann among the goals and Chile 5-1 winners over Jamaica.

Next up for Ireland is the visit of Wales to Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday 27 February (7.30pm kick off), with the match live on BBC2 Wales and RTE2.

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