In Pics: Ireland U-18 5 Italy U-18 24

Click here for photos from the Ireland Under-18 team’s defeat to hosts Italy at the FIRA AER U-18 European Championship in Paese on Sunday.

Pictured above: The teams line up before Sunday’s Group A clash at the Stadio Gianni Visentin in Paese. Tries from number 8 and captain Lorenzo Puliti, winger Giuseppe Credo, replacement scrum half Mattia Locatelli and centre Andrea Pratichetti helped the Azzurri to a 24-5 victory.

The sizeable Irish travelling support, mainly made up of the players’ families and friends, cheer on the boys in green.

Tallaght RFC’s Kris Greene tries to fire out a pass from a midfield ruck. The speedy scrum half sniped over for Ireland’s one and only try after 27 minutes – levelling the game at 5-5 after Puliti’s opener (13 minutes).

Navan RFC centre Eamonn Sheridan is tackled by Italian out-half Riccardo Bocchino.

Flanker David McGregor of Monaghan RFC wrestles for possession.

Rossall School winger Matthew Betty competes for a high ball.

Lineout action from Paese, where an official attendance of 800 spectators watched Italy get their tournament off to a great start.

**All photos by P Gianfreda and E Barbini (FIRA-AER)