The Ireland WNT got their 2024 campaign underway on Friday night with a goalless draw against Italy in Florence.
Viola Park played host to Eileen Gleeson's first game as permanent head coach, with several Irish stars returning to the squad after lengthy absences.
After a winter Nations League campaign which saw Ireland largely come up against weaker opposition, a trip to Italy was a solid test with which to prepare for the EURO 2025 qualifiers later this year.
Ireland were impressive in Florence, battling their way to a well-earned 0-0 draw after dominating the early phases. Though they struggled to create chances, their general play and ability to control possession will both be huge positives for manager Gleeson.
There were a few standout players in the Ireland team, on a night where they were the better team against a side ranked ten places higher in the World Rankings.
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Ireland WNT: Player ratings after goalless draw Italy
Courtney Brosnan - 7
Commands her area so well. In recent months, Brosnan has really kicked on to become one of the most dependable players in this Ireland squad - if not the most.
Dealt with everything that came her way. Even if her clearance was somewhat nervy when forced to charge out shortly before half-time, she made the right call in coming out of her area.
Heather Payne - 6
Payne was the driving force behind the nice link-up play down the right-hand side early in the first half and found nice pockets of space before the break.
Defensively a bit more suspect, found wanting positionally on a few occasions - though she was unfairly penalised by the referee more than once.
Seemed to tire a bit in the second half, giving away a few sloppy fouls and being caught in possession in dangerous areas.
Caitlin Hayes - 6.5
Tested defensively more often than Fahey, particularly in the air, and dealt with the Italian attacking threat well. Like Brosnan, she has made herself a hugely dependable player since breaking into the squad and was typically reliable defensively.
A few nervy moments on the ball but, overall, Hayes was solid.
Niamh Fahey - 7
23 February 2024; Niamh Fahey of Republic of Ireland during the international women's friendly match between Italy and Republic of Ireland at Viola Park in Florence, Italy. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
First game since the World Cup. Had more time on the ball than Hayes in the first period and was reliable there.
Positionally found wanting occasionally in the first half but calmed as the game went on and became a crucial part of Ireland's defensive game as Italian pressure grew.
Katie McCabe - 6
Somewhat lost in a deeper left-back role than she was used to in the Nations League. It is the position where she gets the most game time but one cannot help but get the impression that McCabe would be better used further up the pitch.
Uncharacteristically sloppy in possession in the first half, and was caught on the hop defensively on more than one occasion. A rare off night for Katie.
Megan Connolly - 7
23 February 2024; Megan Connolly of Republic of Ireland during the international women's friendly match between Italy and Republic of Ireland at Viola Park in Florence, Italy. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
In an unfamiliar Ireland midfield, Connolly was assured as ever. The Bristol City captain reads the game so well, and was dependable in breaking up Italy's creative play in the middle of the park.
Delivered a few beautifully judged through balls. Ireland's best central player.
Jessie Stapleton - 6.5
Solid alongside Connolly in midfield. Most of Italy's threat came down the wing and Stapleton got less time on the ball than her midfield partner but she was impressive whenever she did get those opportunities.
Ruesha Littlejohn - 6
23 February 2024; Giulia Dragoni of Italy in action against Ruesha Littlejohn of Republic of Ireland during the international women's friendly match between Italy and Republic of Ireland at Viola Park in Florence, Italy. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Looks so much stronger in the #10 role she filled in Florence than the deeper role she was utilised in during the Nations League campaign. Her pressing high up the field and quick delivery out to the wings were crucial to Ireland's fast start.
Faded in influence as Italy grew into the game, however, and was withdrawn at half-time after picking up a knock.
Jess Ziu - 6
Back in the side for the first time since the World Cup play-off against Slovakia.
Struggled to get regular time on the ball in threatening positions but was nonetheless impressive in linking up with Heather Payne down the right-hand side, particularly in the first period.
Kyra Carusa - 6
23 February 2024; Kyra Carusa of Republic of Ireland in action against Italy goalkeeper Katja Schroffenegger during the international women's friendly match between Italy and Republic of Ireland at Viola Park in Florence, Italy. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Carusa's relentless running off the ball and physicality are brilliant assets to this Ireland team, and she has made herself an essential selection up front for Eileen Gleeson.
Despite her excellent pressing work shining through again at Viola Park, Carusa struggled to make the most of the limited opportunities she did get off the ball. Replaced by Barrett after an hour.
Izzy Atkinson - 7.5
23 February 2024; Izzy Atkinson of Republic of Ireland is tackled by Benedetta Glionna of Italy, behind, during the international women's friendly match between Italy and Republic of Ireland at Viola Park in Florence, Italy. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
A hugely exciting performance from one of Ireland's brightest young stars.
Thriving at club level with her new club Crystal Palace, Atkinson brought that form into Friday night's game, darting at the Italian defence while tracking back well to break up their play down the right wing.
Hitting her stride after an impressive Nations League campaign, Atkinson was Ireland's best performer until she was withdrawn on the hour for the returning Leanne Kiernan.
Substitutes
Lucy Quinn (for Ruesha Littlejohn, h/t) - 6.5
Movement off the ball was strong and she delivered some testing through balls but struggled to put her stamp on the game.
Delightful link-up play to set up the disallowed Ireland goal. Her industrious work began to pay off in the closing stages, as she capitalised on a tiring Italian defence.
Leanne Kiernan (for Izzy Atkinson, 62') - 6
23 February 2024; Leanne Kiernan of Republic of Ireland scores a goal past Italy goalkeeper Katja Schroffenegger, which was subsequently disallowed, during the international women's friendly match between Italy and Republic of Ireland at Viola Park in Florence, Italy. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Just as with Fahey and Ziu, it was wonderful to see Kiernan return to action after a lengthy spell away from the Irish squad.
Made an excellent break on 70 minutes, though perhaps missed an opportunity to play in Amber Barrett. Had the ball in the net after 73 minutes but was correctly (probably) flagged offside.
Booked for a poor challenge late on.
Amber Barrett (for Kyra Carusa, 62') - 6.5
Great movement but had very few opportunities on the ball. When she did, however, her delivery into the area was testing.
Her off-the-ball pressure was really outstanding, especially in the final ten minutes, and she did strong defensive work from a threatening Italian corner late on.
Lily Agg (for Jessie Stapleton, 68') - 6
Filled in well for Stapleton, though she was similarly unable to get on the ball with too much regularity.
Abbie Larkin (for Jess Ziu, 68') - 6
Nice link-up play with Lucy Quinn and made her presence felt down the right flank.
Aoife Mannion (for Heather Payne, 90') - n/a
Not on long enough to rate, though it was super to see her make her return after a lengthy injury layoff.
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