SHAY GIVEN 5
Left his goal rashly when Di Natale broke through and had St Ledger to thank for not conceding. Fumbled Cassano's shot out for a corner and the striker scored at the near post.

JOHN O’SHEA 5

Passing poor. Looks like a player who has played all season at centre back rather than on the flank and hasn’t been sharp enough in Poland. Was held off too easily for Balotelli’s goal.

RICHARD DUNNE 6

An improvement but too often Di Natale got the ball to his feet in the box and St Ledger had to dig him out. Battled gamely and got his head on attacking set-pieces.

SEAN ST LEDGER 7

Kept the score down in the first half with a goal-line clearance and a block from Di Natale. Put in a good performance against Croatia and found that level against Italy as well.

STEPHEN WARD 5

Got forward well in the second half but too much came down his side as he was targeted by the opposition. Found it hard to keep track of Cassano.

DAMIEN DUFF 6

A great occasion did not go very well for the centurion winger. It’s sad to see his pace is not what it used to be. Won some dangerous frees but Ireland need more than that.

KEITH ANDREWS 7

Late sending-off was a sad way to end the tournament. Performed admirably and drove Ireland on despite the odds. Lost Cassano at the near post for the first goal though.

GLEN WHELAN 6

Broke up play well and coped better against a four-man midfield but there’s isn’t enough consistency. Needs to find the outlets earlier and get Ireland breaking quicker.

AIDAN McGEADY 5

Many hoped McGeady would make Euro 2012 his own but he was hot and cold. Might benefit from a more favourable system. Bags of skill but didn’t show it last night.

KEVIN DOYLE 7

Set the tone with a smashing tackle on Pirlo and crashed around the pitch like a wrecking ball. Might have done better with the final ball but bounced back well after being dropped.

ROBBIE KEANE 5

Did not exert any meaningful influence on his team and lacked sharpness. The pace that used to put space between him and defenders has gone. Never looked dangerous.

SUBSTITUTES (7)

Again Jonathan Walters made a difference, brought people into play and won free kicks. Similarly Shane Long brought energy and desire to the attacking threat. Simon Cox barely got a look in after replacing Keane so late on.

MANAGER WATCH (5)

Stayed too loyal to regulars with his selection. Has more options than he lets on and the switch to 4-3-3 helped to bring Ireland back . Needs to either adapt or watch his side suffer in the World Cup 2014 qualifiers.