Ireland Men’s Under-19s secured League A status in their first round of qualification for the 2027 UEFA European Under-19 Championships – despite a 2-1 loss to Italy.

Kian McMahon Brown scored his second goal of the qualifiers to half the deficit after Italy had gone into a 2-0 lead.

Both goals for the Italians came from Roma’s Antonio Arena. He gave Italy the lead inside five minutes and then netted a minute into the second half to give them a two-goal cushion.

But McMahon-Brown, who has been operating as a forward in these qualifiers, made sure Ireland were in with a chance of a revival.

Unfortunately, Italy were able to hold on but Ireland did assure they’ll be in League A for Round 2 of qualifiers in the Autumn.

Ireland: Noonan, Cullen, McDonagh, Sherlock, Solanke (Murphy, 62’), McDonnell, Finneran (C), Atherton (Ogbonna, 62’), McAteer, Martos, McMahon-Brown.

Italy: Longoni, Iddrisa, Bovio (C), De Paoli, Marini (Ridolfi, 59’), Baralla, Dottori (Mambuku, 46’), Maccaroni (Borasio, 88’), Damiano (Lo Monaco, 83’), Camopaniello (Fogliaro, 59’), Arena.

Referee: Karel Rouček (Czechia)