Brady the hero as Ireland go through to the last 16

The first chance of the match came after nine minutes after Hendrick came within inches of handing Ireland the lead as he blasted a left-footed strike towards the net, but his effort went past the post.

Ireland were close again on the 21st minute after Brady whipped in a corner from the left and Murphy got above his man to head an effort at goal, but Sirigu managed to tip the attempt over the bar.

Throughout the rest of the half, Ireland controlled possession, while the Italians defended. One of the few opportunities that Italy had came on the 43rd minute after Immobile turned in space on the edge of the box and drilled a strike towards the bottom corner, but it went inches past the post.

A minute later, Ireland asked for a penalty as McClean went down under the challenge of Bernardeschi in the area. However, the official dismissed their claims. It was a tight call, but the referee has deemed that the West Brom man hit the deck too easily.

The first attempt of the second half was created by the Azzurri on the 52nd minute as Zaza blasted over from 12 yards. The striker did well to hit De Sciglio's cross first time on the volley, but he just couldn't guide his effort underneath the frame.

The Irish were close ten minutes later when Murphy made a good run inside the right channel and then shifted the ball to his left for Hendrick. The striker had a touch before striking a right-footed strike from the edge of the box, but his effort went well of the target.

Italy almost went a goal up on the 78th minute after Insigne surged through the middle and curled an effort towards the bottom corner, only to see his strike clatter off the post.

Ireland pushed on and had a good opportunity after 84 minutes as they lost a golden chance to take the lead. Bonucci slipped on the edge of the box and gifted the ball to Hoolahan. The midfielder only had Sirigu to beat, but he shot tamely at the keeper, who made a comfortable save.

Five minutes from the end, the Irish efforts paid off as Brady headed home from close range to put O'Neill's men in front. Hoolahan made up for his error by putting in a sublime cross for his team-mate to head past Sirigu.

The result means that the Italians still top the group, while Ireland will go through as one of the best 3rd place teams.

Italy starting line-up (3-5-2): Sirigu; Barzagli, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Bernardeschi, Florenzi, Thiago Motta, Sturaro, De Sciglio; Zaza, Immobile.

Republic of Ireland starting line-up(4-4-2): Randolph; Coleman, Keogh, Duffy, Ward; McClean, Hendrick, McCarthy, Brady; Murphy, Long.

Yellow cards

Sirigu (Italy), Long (Ireland), Ward (Ireland), Barzagli (Italy), Zaza (Italy), Insigne (Italy).

Referee

Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)