The Republic of Ireland saw their hopes of reaching the European Under-21 Championship play-offs come to an end after a 1-1 draw with Italy.
Jim Crawford’s side began the night in the play-off spot, behind the Italians, and needed to at least match third-placed Norway’s result to consolidate second in Group A.
Ireland made a bright start in Trieste as Johnny Kenny had an effort cleared off the line, but Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei put the hosts in front after 23 minutes following a rapid counter-attack.
The Azzurri had a golden chance to double their lead in the 37th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto blazed his spot-kick over the crossbar.
Aidomo Emakhu made an impact after coming off the bench to set up captain Andrew Moran to fire home the equaliser, on his 21st birthday, with 24 minutes remaining.
Millwall forward Emakhu went close to netting Ireland’s much-needed winner in stoppage time, but they could not make the breakthrough.
As a result, Norway, who grabbed a last-gasp equaliser in the 1-1 draw in Cork last Friday to keep their own chances alive, ran out 5-1 winners against Turkey to seal the runner-up position via a better head-to-head record with Ireland after both teams finished on 19 points.
