The Azzurri will look to exploit the Irish team’s penchant for conceding early goals in a final brace to dominate the weaklings of Group C, while hoping against surprises on their way to the quarter-finals.
Cesare Prandelli’s men will be looking to bag their first victory of the European gala in their final match of Group C, taking on the Green Shirts at the Stadion Miejski in Poznan, at 7:45pm GMT on 18th June, 2012.
Italy lost out to the Irish 2-0 in an International friendly played in 2011, while their two matches in the qualifying round of World Cup 2014 ended in stalemates.
Italy
The Azzurri would have wanted a better backdrop for their decisive clash of the Euros. They have had more than their fair share of distractions starting with the scandal and the homosexuality debate and not ending with the suspicions of a stitch-up against
them in the Spain-Croatia game.
On one side Italy will have to keep Ireland at bay, and at the same time hope that the other Group C match also ends without any surprises.
On the other hand the return of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andrea-Barzagli-c5669 will be welcome news for Cesare Prandelli, who will now have a much more strengthened defence at his disposal. Moreover, reports also suggest that the tactician could revert to his preferred 4-3-1-2 formation,
and the match fitness of the Juventus centre-back may also prompt him to release http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniele-De-Rossi-c10112 from his defence duties, and allow him a more natural role in the midfield.
The centre of the field will remain the Azzurri’s main area of concern, where a general failure has further burdened the already busy shoulders of Andrea Pirlo. The veteran playmaker has shouldered his responsibilities with utmost grace, providing one assist
and scoring the other of the mere two goals that Italy have been able to manage so far.
However, how long will the champion be able to keep the Azzurri ranks in order, and weather so much dependence on one man is a good idea for the Nazionale remains to be seen?
Ireland
The Boys in Green have not had the best of runs in the European tournament. While on one side their consecutive humiliations at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Croatia-c2879 will count as their biggest nightmares, going into the game against the Italians, their lack of
victory and confirmed relegation will also count as their fiercest weapon as they have nothing to lose.
It is not just the pride of the Boys in Green at stake, but also that of Italy’s former coach http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Giovanni-c14985 Trapattoni. With all his extensive experience Trap not only has a good knowledge of football, but also knows the Azzurri’s way of playing it inside out.
He will be looking to use all the tricks up his sleeve in an effort to manage a last hurrah, before taking the booked flight to home.
Team News
Italy
Prandelli will be relieved to see Andrea Barzagli at his disposal, after the defender missed the first two matches of the Euros due to a thigh strain. The Azzurri tactician is expected to revert to his preferred four-man defence, if the Juventus-man is able
to pass a delayed fitness test.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mario-Balotelli-c23937 is also reported to have limped out of the training session, and that will further lower his probability of being selected ahead of Antonio De Natale to start the game.
Probable starting line-up: Buffon, Maggio, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Rossi, Marchisio, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Di Natale, Cassano.
Ireland
Trapattoni will have his full squad at his disposal in the game where they play for pride, while goalkeeper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Shay-Given-c33284 is expected to bow out of international football after the game.
Probable starting eleven: Given, O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward, Duff, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady, Keane, Lon.
Players to watch:
Andrea Pirlo (http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926)
The veteran midfielder has been responsible for providing Azzurri with the only two goals, that they have been able to manage so far in the tournament. The Italians will once again rely heavily on their World Cup hero to not only provide them with dominance
in the midfield, but also help conjure the goals that the team desperately needs in order to get through to the next round.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robbie-Keane-c31215 (Ireland)
The veteran has been the most prolific scorer in the history of the nation, and this match could represent his last opportunity to make a mark on the European stage. The Irish striker will look to push his limits in what could also be his last appearance
in a big match for his national side, and will also shoulder the Boys in Green’s hopes of an upset against the Italians. The relatively weaker midfield of their opponents will mean that this could be the Irish veteran’s best chance to rattle the net in the
Euros.
Verdict: The match will be more about the struggle of Italy with themselves, and less about the tricky challenge that Ireland pose. If the Azzurri are able to beat their demons that are constantly coming back to haunt them, and keep their
focus on the Green Shirts then they should be able to dispatch their opponents with ease. However, expect a lot of grit from a spirited Ireland backed by a ferocious fan support, and the Nazionale could be in for a big shock if they fail to keep their eyes
and minds on the field.
Prediction: 2-1 to Italy.
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