AP Photo
Defender Sean St Ledger looked to have given the home side a memorable victory that would have taken them to within a point of the Italians at the top of group eight with one match to play when he dived in to head home Stephen Hunt's free-kick in the 87th minute.
Croke Park was still reverberating with the celebrations when Italy stole down the other end and scored through Gilardino, whose cool strike guaranteed top spot in the group and a ticket to South Africa next summer.
Despite the Italian thoroughbreds on parade, it was an Irish workhorse in the form of Glenn Whelan who gave Ireland the lead in the eighth minute.
The Italians were caught out after a Nicola Legrottaglie foul gave Ireland a free-kick from a dangerous wide position.
