Italy 2-0 Rep Ireland: Irish huff and puff but are snuffed out by Balotelli

The Republic of Ireland leave Euro 2012 with no points but put in a more spirited display against Italy.

The Azzurri took a first half lead before being pegged back by Giovanni Trapattoni's team for long spell of the second half.

Mario Balotelli made sure of the win with a spectacular volley in the 90th minute, after Keith Andrew's had received his marching orders for a second yellow card.

After an opening period of honest endeavour from Ireland, without much penetration, Italy started to take hold of the game. Di Natale tested the defence on 28 minutes,then again on 34 minutes after rounding goalkeeper Shay Given.

Given spilled a resultant shot from Antonio Cassano, leading to a corner. The whipped delivery was met by Cassano himself and crept over the line to give Cesare Prandelli's team the lead.

Cassano continued to give the Irish defence a rough ride, going close in the 49th minute but slowly the men from the Emerald Isle were getting back in to the contest.

Andrews struck a 30 yard free kick cleanly on the hour mark which fizzed into Gianluigi Buffon's gloves.

Jon Walters and Shane Long were thrown on as Ireland sought a goal to give them something from the tournament, but after Andrews petulantly earned himself another caution, Manchester City star Balotelli took centre stage.

The precocious striker turned a corner into the net with his back to goal in a sublime piece of skill which ensured that italy progress to the quarter finals.

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