In Pics: Ireland U-18 5 Italy U-18 24
Click here for photos from the Ireland Under-18 team’s defeat to hosts Italy at the FIRA AER U-18 European Championship in Paese on Sunday.
Pictured above: The teams line up before Sunday’s Group A clash at the Stadio Gianni Visentin in Paese. Tries from number 8 and captain Lorenzo Puliti, winger Giuseppe Credo, replacement scrum half Mattia Locatelli and centre Andrea Pratichetti helped the Azzurri to a 24-5 victory.
The sizeable Irish travelling support, mainly made up of the players’ families and friends, cheer on the boys in green.
Tallaght RFC’s Kris Greene tries to fire out a pass from a midfield ruck. The speedy scrum half sniped over for Ireland’s one and only try after 27 minutes – levelling the game at 5-5 after Puliti’s opener (13 minutes).
Navan RFC centre Eamonn Sheridan is tackled by Italian out-half Riccardo Bocchino.
Flanker David McGregor of Monaghan RFC wrestles for possession.
Rossall School winger Matthew Betty competes for a high ball.
Lineout action from Paese, where an official attendance of 800 spectators watched Italy get their tournament off to a great start.
**All photos by P Gianfreda and E Barbini (FIRA-AER)