Last-gasp Gilardino sends Italy to World Cup

Alberto Gilardino’s late equaliser earned Italy a 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland here on Saturday, securing a World Cup place for the reigning champions and consigning the hosts to the play-offs.

Defender Sean St Ledger looked to have given the home side a memorable victory that would have taken them to within a point of the Italians at the top of group eight with one match to play when he dived in to head home Stephen Hunt’s free-kick in the 87th minute.

Croke Park was still reverberating with the celebrations when Italy stole down the other end and scored through Gilardino, whose cool strike guaranteed top spot in the group and a ticket to South Africa next summer.

Despite the Italian thoroughbreds on parade, it was an Irish workhorse in the form of Glenn Whelan who gave Ireland the lead in the eighth minute.

The Italians were caught out after a Nicola Legrottaglie foul gave Ireland a free-kick from a dangerous wide position.

Liam Lawrence, making his first competitive start, declined the chance to whip in a cross and instead directed a low ball across the front of the Italian box for Whelan to fire a superb effort into the top-left corner from 25 yards.

Italy’s first strike on goal came after 23 minutes following a period of possession caused by Ireland’s inability to keep the ball.

Fabio Grosso’s effort from outside the box was straight at Shay Given, but when Mauro Camoranesi rose unchallenged from a corner three minutes later to direct a bullet header at goal, the Irish shot-stopper was unable to arrange his feet and hands in time to stop the ball crossing the line.

The Irish responded to the equaliser by finding their passing boots and making better use of Aiden McGeady, whose trickery was causing problems down Italy’s right side.

The Italians were also finding the flanks their best option as St Ledger and Richard Dunne marshalled Vincenzo Iaquinta well in the centre.

Marcello Lippi’s 2006 world champions arrived needing only a draw to qualify for next summer’s finals and a play-off berth looked more than likely for the Irish.

Lippi brought on Gilardino in the second half to give Italy a conventional 4-4-2 formation for the closing stages of what had become an engrossing encounter.

His opposite number and countryman Giovanni Trapattoni responded soon after by introducing Hunt on the right for McGeady and an incisive run by the Hull winger attracted a foul from which Ireland scored what looked destined to be the decisive goal.

Hunt curled in the ensuing free-kick himself, with St Ledger flinging himself in to convert a brave header that sent the capacity crowd into raptures.

But minutes later Lippi’s substitution paid dividends, as good running by Iaquinta allowed him to get into the Irish box and square for the unmarked Gilardino to steer the ball home from 10 yards.