Riccardo Montolivo felt there was “not enough movement off the ball” from the Azzurri, but also a lack of focus for this friendly.
“Without doubt the important game was against Estonia. We wanted to do better than we did tonight, especially in attack, as we didn't have enough shots on goal,” he said of Italy's 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland.
Riccardo Montolivo felt there was “not enough movement off the ball” from the Azzurri, but also a lack of focus for this friendly.
“Without doubt the important game was against Estonia. We wanted to do better than we did tonight, especially in attack, as we didn't have enough shots on goal,” he said of Italy's 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland.
“Ireland were certainly set out well in defence, so we had to go wide and couldn't even do damage with crosses. I think we overall played fairly well, but couldn't create the shots on target.
“Ireland sat back and waited for us and scored with a free kick when we were distracted, then at the end on the counter-attack. They barely threatened other than those incidents.
“We weren't determined enough and there was very little movement off the ball. Ireland were solid, so because we were static, we couldn't shake them off.”
“A slap is good every now and then, so we take this lesson, but it's better not to get slapped at all!”
Montolivo moved to the trequartista role when Alberto Aquilani was injured during the Estonia game, but started in that position against Ireland.
“It is not my favourite position, nor the one that suits my characteristics. I do it for the Coach when asked, but I believe my best role is in central midfield.”