Graham Gartland: Ascoli learning curve will stand to Ireland U21s for European Championship play-offs

The nature of the Ireland Under-21s' defeat to Italy on Tuesday will not hamper Jim Crawford's team in the long run, according to former Irish youth international Graham Gartland.

Jim Crawford's side travelled to Ascoli knowing a win would send Ireland directly to their first ever U21 European Championships.

Instead, individual errors saw Group F winners Italy race into a 3-0 lead before securing a 4-1 victory.

On a positive note, Ireland can still qualify for the Euros but will have to do so via a play-off in September.

Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, former Drogheda United and Longford Town trophy winner Gartland and ex-Ireland striker Stephen Elliott shared their thoughts on the hopes for Crawford's side.

Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

We need your consent to load this YouTube contentWe use YouTube to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

"If you looked in at the game and didn't watch it, you'd probably think 4-1 to Italy, it's not a great result. But when I watched the game, the individual errors (cost Ireland)," said Gartland.

Gartland pointed to the early penalty conceded by Mark McGuinness which gave the Italians the lead as an example of a moment of "panic" but one that the player will learn from.

It was the first of a trio of costly errors. But the overall progression of the squad has impressed Gartland.

"The goal just after half-time kills them right away and they're three individual errors," he continued.

"The fourth goal that Italy score is really good. Jim's put together a really good campaign this year and they're