Ireland 20 Italy 5 European Men's Boxlacrosse Championship quarter-final, Radotín, 1 July 2026
Ireland produced their most complete performance of the tournament to dismantle Italy 20-5 and book a place in the semi-finals. Conor Foley led the way with eight goals, the kind of individual return that decides knockout games before they properly begin.
The result was settled early. Ireland scored the first four goals and led 7-3 after the opening quarter, then shut Italy out completely across the second and third to build a 16-3 lead. Italy managed just five goals all night, every one on the power play, against an Irish defence that gave them nothing from open play.
Foley's eight goals came with two assists on top. Corbett added four, Patrick Brosnan three and Quinn two. Captain Brian Gillis was the game's chief creator with a goal and seven assists, running the Irish attack and finding the finishers time after time. Neal Adamson controlled the face-off dot, winning 12 of 20, which kept Ireland in possession and Italy on the back foot.
Devlin Shanahan again anchored the win, stopping 29 shots at 88 percent before Charlie Albuery took over in goal for the closing stages with the result long since safe. Ireland outshot Italy 70 to 50 and dominated the ground-ball battle 39 to 18.
There was little to fault. Ireland led early and pulled clear without let-up, and the result was beyond Italy well before the end. Italy's frustration spilled over late, culminating in a game misconduct.
A 15-goal winning margin in a knockout game is a statement. Ireland had found their attacking rhythm at exactly the right moment, and a semi-final against Germany is next.