IT was eventual heartbreak for in-form Will Smallbone and Republic of Ireland under-21 as they were defeated 4-1 by Italy in a European Championship crunch qualifier.

Saints midfielder Smallbone, who scored three goals in the previous two matches, was hoping to fire his side to a debut tournament knowing a win was needed in the final match.

The victories against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro had put them on the brink of an unprecedented achievement, but now they must settle for a play-off later this year.

Italian goals by Nicolo Rovella, Nicolo Cambiaghi, Pietro Pellegri and Giacamo Quagliata were more than enough to make Conor Coventry’s penalty redundant in Ascoli.

Smallbone played 90 minutes but could do nothing to resist the Italian’s might, as they finish top of the qualifying group.

Ireland now await the draw on Tuesday, June 21 to find out who they'll face in Septembers play-off.

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