#360fans: Ireland vs Italy – Euro 2016 UAE preview

Sport360 staff 14:46 21/06/2016
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  • Who will win between Italy and Ireland?

    Ahead of their Group E clash in Lille on Wednesday, Ireland and Italy UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.

    To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

    Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.

    REPUBLIC OF IRELAND – Stephen Fleming (Teacher, Dubai)

    A must-win game awaits Ireland as they face their Euro 2016 judgment day against the already qualified Italy. Antonio Conte’s side will be resting a few players so hopefully Ireland can take advantage of an Italian team without the superb Leonardo Bonucci, the aggressive Daniele De Rossi and the ageless Gianluigi Buffon.

    Ireland must simply attack Italy and not give away possession as cheaply as they did against the Belgians. While the Italians were not at their imperious best against the Swedes, they have an impressive strength in depth and the reserve team will be eager to impress Conte ahead of the last-16.

    The hope is, though, with top spot already secured and with Italy not really having anything to play for, the situation could play into the hands of Martin O’Neill’s men. The time is now, a win can take us through to the knockout stage so we must believe.

    PREDICTION: Italy 0-1 Ireland

    LIKELY IRELAND XI: Randolph; Coleman, Duffy, O’Shea, Ward; Whelan; McClean, Hendrick, Brady, Hoolahan; Long

    IRELAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Jeff Hendrick – The Derby County midfielder was unknown to most before the Euros began, but he’s had a solid tournament so far and could be key to breaking down the Italians and moving the ball up the field.

    ITALY PLAYER TO FEAR: Emanuele Giaccherini – It’s difficult to predict Italy’s starting XI but if Giaccherini plays, his passing ability will be a major threat.

    WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: McGettigans in JLT is where most Irish people will gather to cheer on the boys in green.

    ITALY – Colin Scicluna (Teacher, Dubai)

    The clean sheets keep on rolling and the ball keeps finding a way into the net for this Italy squad. The game with Sweden was not a great advert for football and at times had a soporific effect. However the constant chants of “all you have is Ikea” kept us entertained down at the Barasti Stadium. Eder’s goal was the only thing worth remembering really.

    Looking ahead to Ireland we have some interesting considerations. The Italian press has been explaining how it’s better if Italy finishes second in this group. The path to the final could be much easier. Antonio Conte is having none of it though and I can’t really argue with him. The new Chelsea boss is proving to the world what a quality coach he is.

    Another issue is the yellow cards. In a comical attempt the get a yellow against Sweden, Giorgio Chiellini ended up getting Gianluigi Buffon in trouble instead. The risk is now that he will miss the last-16 game if he gets booked against Ireland. I’m not sure Italy can cope without one of our illustrious back three!

    Conte is set to ring the changes against Ireland and it’s probably a good idea as many of the players looked tired against Sweden – no surprise given how hard they worked in the victory over Belgium. Apparently nine new faces will come in for the game in Lille. Conte has picked Thiago Motta and even Stefano Sturaro ahead of Lorenzo Insigne and Stephan El Shaarawy so far, but I think at least one of the latter pair will be given the nod against Ireland. It’s a great chance for the bench to show their worth.

    PREDICTION: Italy 0-0 Ireland

    LIKELY ITALY XI: Sirigu, Ogbonna, Darmian, Barzagli, Motta, Sturaro, De Sciglio, Florenzi,  Pelle, Immobile

    ITALY PLAYER TO WATCH: Alessandro Florenzi – The Roma man will get a chance on the wing Wednesday and his defensive capabilities could make him a viable alternative for Italy in the knockout stages. First, though, he needs to prove his worth against Ireland.

    IRELAND PLAYER TO FEAR: Wes Hoolahan – My Irish friends tell me he’s nicknamed the ‘Irish Messi’ but I know him only as ‘that guy from Norwich’. Nonetheless, Hoolahan has proven to be Ireland’s chief creator so far in France, and Italy would be wise to restrict the amount of ball that he sees.

    WHERE TO WATCH: Barasti Stadium

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