Italy U21 coach Gigi di Biagio was pleased with their 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.

Perugia starlet Vittorio Parigini came off the bench to score the winner.

“It's an important result, in fact a very important result," Coach Di Biagio told Rai Sport.

“I liked the performance a little less, but we showed great character and pride. The lads sacrificed themselves and at times that is not enough. Today it was, so I compliment the players.

“We were under a lot of pressure and didn't play the way we usually do, but are satisfied because I got some important responses, especially down to 10 men.

“I expected a game like this, a real battle, which isn't new against a side like Ireland. It was difficult, but the result is positive."