Italy vs. Republic of Ireland: What to Expect from Group C Showdown
Another day, another great lineup of matches in the European Championships.
Italy vs. Republic of Ireland should be a cracker, as both teams will be going full throttle for the victory.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men will see this as a must-win game to retain their chances of entering the quarterfinals, whilst Italy will want to ramp up the pressure on reigning champions Spain.
Here are six things to expect during this showdown.
3 at the Back for Italy
1 of 6Italy went three at the back against Spain, prompting some interesting tactical discussion.
The move was premeditated due to Andrea Barzagli's injury, so having seen his unorthodox formation stand the test of La Furia Roja, Cesare Prandelli would be mad to change it now.
Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele De Rossi cut formidable figures on the halfway line during Italy's first match and they'll fancy their chances of a clean sheet against an average Republic of Ireland side.
Trapattoni's Faith
2 of 6Despite misfiring against Croatia, don't expect Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni to change his side around too much.
He took the unusual step of naming his starting XI a week before the tournament, allaying any potential fears that the Irish could spring a much-needed wild card or surprise.
The opening game didn't go so well, as the injury troubles Shay Given has been facing leading up to this tournament were evident.
More Goals
3 of 6Despite playing three at the back, Italy are far from the defensive cliché they have come to be thought of.
The wing-backs are genuine attackers and the Azzurri possess some of the most skillful and creative midfielders in the world.
The squad boasts four strikers who can trouble any defence and Cesare Prandelli will not hold back.
Republic of Ireland play a 4-4-2 which is far from defensively solid. But in the same vein that Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews are there for the taking, Robbie Keane is a wily, experienced customer who knows how to grab a goal.
Mario Balotelli on the Bench
4 of 6What did you do in the time it took Sergio Ramos to catch up with Mario Balotelli before shooting?
Many people will have achieved great things during the aeon it took for the Italian striker to drift inside after robbing the Spanish defender, yet no shot was taken.
He was hauled off minutes later and Antonio Di Natale scored a beautiful goal. I'd expect Balotelli to be benched for this game, or if he isn't, he's under extreme pressure to produce.
Desperation for the Irish
5 of 6This is it, really.
If the Republic of Ireland don't win, they stand a very good chance of exiting the competition. The crowd will, of course, do their best to roar their team on, but it'll take grit, determination and a hint of desperation to see the side through this clash.
Italy are far from easy to break down, so some individual brilliance could be in order from the likes of Robbie Keane.
Richard Dunne and Shay Given will need to step up their performances too, as the defensive rock this team has relied upon went missing against Croatia.
A Win for Italy
6 of 6Despite an almighty Irish effort, you can't see The Boys In Green succeeding here.
Italy more than matched world champions Spain in the first round of matches, and the Republic of Ireland represent a very vulnerable main course.
Ireland will not be without effort, fight and phenomenal support, but the Irish quarter in me will be left disappointed.
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