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Irish women lose to Italy in Euro qualifier

Wednesday 30th May 2007, 10:49 pm

Ireland's women lost their first game of the Euro 2009 campaign as Italy ran out 2-1 winners at Belfield Park in Dublin tonight. Olivia O'Toole's 50th international goal wasn't enough as Noel King's side attempted to recover after going 2-0 down.

Having started the campaign with a win over Hungary, Ireland were looking to extend their good start. However, despite Ireland retaining plenty of possession, the away side grabbed the opening goal. It arrived on 39 minutes as Paliotti's shot squirmed past the grasp of goalkeeper Emma Byrne.

Patrizia Panico chipped home to make it 2-0 on 56 minutes as a loose ball fell kindly for her on the edge of the box.

Substitute Laura Hislop set up Ireland's goal just moments after arriving into the action. She crossed and O'Toole headed back across goal into the net.

Ireland couldn't get a second though and will now plan for games against Romania - away on 25th August and home on 27th October as the campaign continues.

Ireland : Emma Byrne (Arsenal), Niamh Fahy (Salthill Devon), Susan Byrne (St. John's University, NY), Alisha Moran (NY Athletic Club), Sharon Boyle (Raheny United), Elaine O'Connor (Long Island Fury), Marie Curtin (Hofstra University), Ciara Grant (Arsenal), Stephanie Curtis (Bristol Academy), Olivia O'Toole (Raheny United), Katie Taylor (Peamount United).
Subs : Michele O'Brien (Long Island Lady Riders) for O'Connor (64 mins), Laura Hislop (Predators) for Boyle (73 mins), Sonya Hughes (Franklin Pierce) for Taylor (83).

Italy : Marchitelli, Gama, Cassanelli, Tuttini, Tona, Perelli, Gabbiadini, Barbierato, Panico, Zorri, Paliotti.
Subs : Domenichetti and Fuselli for Gabbiadini and Paliotti (both 86), D'Adda for Barbierato (91)

Referee : Tanja Schett (Austria).