Veteran manager Giovanni Trapattoni steered the Republic of Ireland to a 2-0 victory over his native Italy in a friendly played in Liege last night.

A crowd of over 21,000 witnessed the surprise result on neutral territory in Belgium, as Keith Andrews and Simon Cox got the goals for the Republic.

Blackburn midfielder Andrews' sweet 36th-minute strike and a close-range finish from substitute Cox late on secured a fourth successive win for the Republic and extended Trapattoni's unbeaten record against the team he once managed to three games.

Austria came from 1-0 down to beat Latvia 3-1 in Graz, ending a run of five straight defeats.

Pavels Mihadjuks put Latvia ahead in the 49th minute, but Austria finished the match strongly, levelling with 15 minutes remaining when young defender Christopher Dibon headed in before Martin Harnik netted a late double, the second a penalty.

The game finished shamefully for Latvia, who had three men sent off in the late stages.

Mihadjuks was dismissed after a second bookable offence in the 88th minute, and Andris Vanins and Oskars Klava both saw red before the final whistle.

Norway secured a 1-0 home win over Lithuania, with Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen their match-winner.

Pedersen netted in the 84th minute, volleying in from close range after his penalty was parried.

Russia and Cameroon played out a goalless draw in their friendly, staged in Salzburg.