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Northern Ireland started the game brightly, with midfielder Adele Gillespie and forward Cathy Hyndman creating positive plays for the girls in green. The Italians superior fitness started to show as they began to assert themselves and in the 26 minute they were rewarded for their pressure when they scored from a corner.

This goal was followed quickly with another two in the next seven minutes. Northern Ireland having regained composure started to play some good football, before conceding a fourth goal just as the whistle went for half time.

Italy, not content with scoring four goals, commenced the second half with some blistering football scoring two goals early on. Despite the heroic efforts of Jacqueline McCutcheon in the heart of the defence a seventh was conceded in the 56^th minute.

Commenting after the game Alfie said:  “This was always going to be a steep learning curve for our players. We have an extremely young team with us, some of whom will play in the under 17 tournament, but matches like these are all part of their development. Once again we have to thank the IFA for their continued investment in this squad and believe that one day it will pay dividends.”

Northern Ireland now look to their next match against host nation Russia on Saturday 29 September.

Northern Ireland line up: Goals: Kirsty Eddis.  Defence: Alison Smyth; Catherine Canavan; Jacqueline McCutcheon; Emma Speers.  Midfield: Lisa Armour; Trudi Harbinson; Adele Gillespie; Nadene Caldwell.   Forwards: Natasha McConville; Cathy Hyndman.

Subs used: Teri Magee for Trudi Harbinson; Ashley McKee for Adele Gillespie.