Kennedy started the game but was taken off within ten minutes of the restart and replaced by Wimbleon's Mark Williams.
Former Wigan goalkeeper, Roy Carroll also played the second half after repacing Maik Talyor.
|
One positive out of the game for the N.Irish was that 6 of the players made their international debuts and many of the team were young.
Manager, Sammy McIlroy commented: "I have a young team out there who gave me 110 per cent but the headlines will be about how many minutes we have gone without scoring.
"There were some fantastic performances out there and I am proud of my team.
"Italy have got a squad of 22 world class players.
"The second goal was especially dubious as the referee played advantage becaue the ball went to a player in a white shirt who was surrounded by Italian players.
"Then they go straight up the pitch and score. That killed us off a little bit.
"But this was all about preparing for the game against Spain. That is why were are here and there were plenty of plusses."
The proceeds from the match, including €3,000 (about £2,150) raised by travelling Northern Ireland fans, will be donated to help the village of San Giuliano, where 26 people, 24 of them primary-school children, died in an earthquake last October.
--------------------------
Italy: Toldo, Cannavaro, Grosso, Legrottaglie, Oddo, Ambrosini, Fiore, Perrotta, Miccoli, Corradi, Di Vaio. Subs: Abbiati, Bonera, Ferrari, Birindelli, Nervo, Tommasi, Di Natale, Delvecchio.
Northern Ireland: Taylor, Griffin, McCartney, Hughes, Kennedy, Baird, Johnson, Doherty, Healy, McVeigh, Smith. Subs: Carroll, Williams, Craigan, McCann, Elliott, Toner, Jones, Hamilton.
Referee: Lucillo Baptista (Portugal).
--------------------------
Other Reports:
BBCi
The Times