Italy vs. Ireland: Score and Twitter Reaction from Euro 2016

The Republic of Ireland recorded a historic 1-0 win over Italy in Lille, France, on Wednesday to progress to the knockout phase of UEFA Euro 2016. This marks the first time they have reached that stage at the European Championship. 

Robbie Brady grabbed their deserved winner late on after the Irish put in a dominant performance against the Italians, who were content to sit back and defend for much of the game.

With Italy already secure as Group E winners, they made eight changes for the match. Football writer Michael Cox believed the much-changed side gave Ireland an opportunity they had to take:

Indeed, with no fewer than three points needed for the Irish to progress, they took the initiative early on, as Jeff Hendrick gave the Azzurri a scare when he rifled a left-footed effort inches wide of the top corner from distance.

Sports writer Ewan MacKenna was impressed: 

Daryl Murphy tested Salvatore Sirigu with a strong header from a corner as Ireland continued to seek an opener, but clear-cut chances were few and far between against the resolute Italians, who offered little going forward.

Martin O'Neill's side were unfortunate not to earn a penalty when Leonardo Bonucci fouled Shane Long on another corner, and they were again denied a spot-kick when Federico Bernardeschi bundled over James McClean, per BT Sport's James Horncastle and MacKenna:

Clive Rose/Getty Images

At the other end, Ciro Immobile sent Italy's only first-half effort on goal curling narrowly wide amid a brief foray up the field. It was also the Azzurri who enjoyed the first chance after the break, as Simone Zaza came close with a swivelling, well-struck volley.

The Irish were almost gifted a goal by Thiago Motta after his dallied clearance fell to Seamus Coleman, but the Everton full-back's effort was blocked.

It remained difficult for the Boys in Green to cause Italy significant problems as they sat back, though, prompting several speculative efforts by Hendrick and substitute Aiden McGeady from outside the area. Squawka Football noted their frustration:

Italy sub Lorenzo Insigne almost made an instant impact, driving at the Irish defence before striking the base of the post with his effort.

Ireland looked to have wasted their best chance of the game when Wes Hoolahan fired straight at Sirigu after being put clean through, but the midfielder quickly made amends when he delivered an exquisite cross for Brady to nod home past the Italian goalkeeper.

Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

The game isn't likely to have a significant impact on the Azzurri's clash with Spain in the round of 16, with Italy having played a vastly different team to the one that beat Belgium and Sweden.

As for the Irish, they'll play hosts France in the knockout stages. Les Bleus will likely prove more challenging, as they'll carry a far greater goal threat than Italy did, but Ireland will take heart from their strong performance and deserved win.

Post-Match Reaction

Per Sport Witness, Brady was elated after bagging the winner, while O'Neill was a little more reserved but no less delighted, as noted by sports writer Paul Brown:

Per the Irish Independent's Daniel McDonnell, he also had words for former Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli after his criticism of the Irish players to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Emmet Malone of the Irish Times):

Meanwhile, according to McDonnell, Italy boss Antonio Conte believed his side were hard done by:

Per The Independent's Ian Herbert, he added: "They were rewarded, perhaps more than the deserved to, but rewarded nonetheless."