Italy vs Republic of Ireland, Euro 2016: Where to watch live, preview, prediction, betting odds and possible XI
IBTimes UK previews the final round of Group E fixtures.
Follow LIVE coverage of Italy vs Republic of Ireland with IBTimes UK HERE
Italy take on the Republic of Ireland in their final group game at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on Wednesday (22 June).
Where to watch live
Kick-off is at 8pm BST. Live TV coverage of the game in the UK is available on ITV 1. Radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 live. Live TV coverage in India is available on Sony Six and Sony ESPN, with mobile and online coverage available on SonyLiv. Kick-off is at 12.30am IST (Thursday).
Click here for the list of Euro 2016 broadcasters across the globe.
Overview
Italy come into this game having already qualified for the Round of 16 after recording wins in their first two games over Belgium and Sweden. They will play defending champion Spain in the next round in what will be the repeat of the Euro 2012 final. Antonio Conte's attention is likely to be partly on that game, which could see him field a much changed lineup. Firstly to keep his players fresh ahead of their clash on Monday and secondly, to protect the players – Bonucci, Chiellini, Buffon and Eder - who are one booking away from a one-game suspension.
Ireland, on the other hand, have to win the game to have any chance of making it to the knockout phase of the competition. They will have a great opportunity to do so against a much changed Italian side, who have already qualified. Martin O'Neill is unlikely to rest any of his players, despite Hendrik, McCarthy and Whelan running the risk of missing their next game if they pick up a yellow card. John Walters is likely to miss out through injury, which will be a blow for the Irishmen.
Italy leads the head-to-head between the two nations 8-2, but the Irish have lost just one of their last five games to the Azzuri. Their most recent clash was an international friendly in 2014, which ended 0-0.
Prediction
- Italy to win
Betting odds (betfair)
- Italy win: 7/5
- Draw: 2
- Rep. of Ireland win: 9/4
What manager's say
Antonio Conte (Italy): We're starting to pop the corks already! No, you've got to be humble. It's not a soft game – Ireland are tough opponents. We're already through, but that doesn't mean anything. What I ask of my lads is to play the game to win it, because winning helps you win more.
After the Sweden game and seeing the lads in training, I changed my mind over a few things and so there will be changes. It's not a meaningless game – it's useful for us and for me. There is no such thing as a first-choice team and reserves. We have 23 players who win and lose together, including all the staff.
Martin O'Neill (Republic of Ireland): Six months ago, if you thought you had to win your last game to qualify, and there's a fairly decent chance of that ... I think you would have taken it. We have to concentrate on what we're going to do, and make sure we're in front when the final whistle blows.
Italy will just be looking after themselves. They've won the group after two games. Now, whatever comes or goes about this result, it doesn't matter to them. It's a great position to be in, because what they can rest players who have played two games in four days or so. They can also take out those players who have yellow cards.
Team news
Italy
Possible XI: Sirigu; De Sciglio, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Darmian; Bernardeschi, Thiago Motta, Sturaro, El Shaarawy; Zaza, Immobile.
Republic of Ireland
Possible XI: Randolph; Coleman, O'Shea, Duffy, Brady; Hendrick, Whelan, Quinn, Hoolahan; Murphy, Long.
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