Republic of Ireland v Italy: Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr threw caution to the wind and named a strong attacking line-up in a bid to gain a confidence-boosting win ahead of next month's vital World Cup qualifier with France.
Kerr opted for a three-pronged strikeforce against Italy at Lansdowne Road, with Clinton Morrison sandwiched by Andy Reid and Damien Duff, allowing Steven Reid to join Matt Holland and Kevin Kilbane in a three-man midfield.
Kerr preferred Steve Finnan ahead of Steve Carr at right-back and John O'Shea on the left ahead of Ian Harte, while skipper Kenny Cunningham was partnered by Richard Dunne in central defence.
Italy, still to start their Serie A season, awarded a third cap to Monaco goalkeeper Flavio Roma with Gianluigi Buffon out for two months with a shoulder injury, while there was a first appearance for a year for Juventus striker Alessandro del Piero.
Rep of Ireland: Given, Finnan, Cunningham, Dunne, O'Shea, Holland, Kilbane, Steven Reid, Andy Reid, Duff, Morrison. Subs: Carr, O'Brien, Harte, Breen, Kenny, Doherty, Miller, Quinn, Elliott, Colgan.
Italy: Roma, Zaccardo, Cannavaro, Nesta, Zambrotta, Gattuso, Pirlo, De Rossi, Del Piero, Vieri, Gilardino. Subs: De Sanctis, Toni, Barzagli, Materazzi, Grosso, Mesto, Diana, Barone, Iaquinta, Guardalben.
Referee: Paulo Costa (Portugal)