The Republic of Ireland have thrashed Italy U21 4-2 - with just nine men.

Ireland had to play from the 37th minute with ten men following the harsh dismissal of Derrick Williams and ended up with nine men as Anthony Forde was also dismissed late on.

This result will rightly be considered one of the best ever achieved away from home by an Irish side at any level.

Ireland coach Noel King was elated afterwards: "It has to be one of the best Irish results ever. When you take all the circumstances into play, with nine men in Italy, so much went against us. The lights went out but the spirits never did.

"We drew with Italy in the Showgrounds. We've been competitive in every game and unfortunately lost three games and we could have won them.

"The quality of the goals were amazing. The four goals would be goal of the season contenders."