Italy coach Marcello Lippi was disappointed with the referee who gave striker Giampaolo Pazzini his matching orders.

The Italy coach said: "Obviously we are very disappointed. We thought it was unfair to send off Pazzini for something that was not violent at all."

"But we fought very hard and only conceded the goal in final stages playing on a heavy pitch."

Despite allowing two points to slip from their grasp, the Italians remain in pole position to claim automatic qualification for next summer's finals.

However, Lippi acknowledged that Ireland are still their main rivals.

He said: "Yes at the moment, without a shadow of a doubt. But we have to look at Bulgaria, who have games in hand."