Sean St. Ledger celebrates his goal with Leon Best at Croke Park

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni was disappointed his side could not hold on to beat Italy in the World Cup qualifier in Dublin.

Sean St Ledger put the Republic 2-1 ahead on 87 minutes before Alberto Gilardino's last-gasp equaliser.

"We could have finished the game with a little bit of experience - we must waste time," said Trapattoni.

"I'm happy for our second place. Our goal in the last year was to qualify, and it's possible with the play-off."

The point was enough for Italy to seal top spot in the group and an automatic place in the World Cup finals.

The Republic would have moved to within a point of the Italians if they had managed to keep it at 2-1 to the final whistle.

"We're feeling heartache. Devastated," said Republic defender John O'Shea.

606: DEBATE That was a mounmental performance by the Irish lads against a very skillful unit. allswell

"To concede two sloppy, shocking goals the way we did leaves such a bitter taste in the mouth.

"Italy should be under huge pressure now to get a result against Cyprus, but we let that slip."

Italy manager Marcello Lippi believes his team deserved at least a draw from the Croke Park encounter.

"It would have been absurd to lose considering the way we played," said Lippi.

"We played with desire, heart and our wits. We didn't deserve to lose.

"The guys did a great job to score that goal at the end. It shows how much quality we have."

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