Italy VS Republic of Ireland Match Prediction

There will be a lot of familiar faces on either side, as it is only four years since the last time Italy v Republic of Ireland was a competitive fixture. In Poznan, in the group stages of Euro 2012, Italy ran out 2-0 winners as a result of goals from Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli, although neither of those strikers are in Conte's squad for this year's European Championship.

Republic of Ireland famously beat Italy 1-0 at the 1994 World Cup in the United States and the teams drew twice during the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup as well.

Italy v Republic of Ireland: Prediction

Much will depend on how many players Italy elect to rest in this game, with Republic of Ireland given a much better chance if Conte decides to name the reserves. Ireland need a win to have any hope of staying in Euro 2016, so there is plenty of motivation, but their team appears to lack star quality, especially in the final third. The inclusion of Ireland's record goalscorer Robbie Keane might make the difference, but Italy should win regardless of the strength of their selected side.

Italy v Republic of Ireland: Betting Tips

This looks likely to be an extremely close last match in Group E, with Italy particularly strong at the back, while Republic of Ireland have offered little in attack throughout the tournament. Under 2.5 goals therefore looks to be a very good value bet for this game, even offered at a price of 8/15.

Italy are understandably favourites, but they can be backed at as big as 29/20, perhaps in anticipation of Conte making a lot of changes to his team, with the draw offered at a low price of 9/4. Ireland's odds of 27/11 are low but they do need to pick up a win here. Robbie Keane has been a man for the big occasion throughout his Ireland career and he is 3/1 to score any time.

Italy have been one of the most impressive teams at Euro 2016 so far, winning their first two matches at the tournament without conceding a single goal. The all-Juventus back line is going to be very tough to breach and it is hard to see Republic of Ireland, who have struggled in attack so far, finding a way through.

However, with top spot already secured in Group E, Antonio Conte has a great chance to rest players, with the likes of Giorgio Chiellini likely to be given the day off for this game. It would be no surprise if Italy named a completely different team, with even the reliable veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon dropping out of the team.

Italy likely XI: 

Sirigu, Darmian, Ogbonna, Barzagli, De Sciglio, Florenzi, Sturaro, Motta, Shaarawy, Zaza, Immobile.

Republic of Ireland will again be without Jon Walters for this game and Martin O'Neill might well decide to attack with a forward-thinking team selection as his team have nothing to lose at this stage of Euro 2016.

Only a win will give Ireland a chance of making it into the next round, but they have only scored only goal in their two matches, a fine finish from Wes Hoolahan in their 1-1 draw with Sweden. Defender Ciaran Clark has had a poor tournament and he could well be dropped, with reports suggesting only Seamus Coleman will be retained from the defence that lost 3-0 to Belgium.

Republic of Ireland likely XI: 

Randolph, Coleman, Keogh, Duffy, Brady, Quinn, Whelan, Hendrick, Hoolahan, Long, Keane.

Ireland will be hopeful that Conte picks a team of reserve players for this match, but they will be fighting for a place in the team so it will not necessarily be an easy win for Martin O\'Neill\'s men. However, there is decent strength in depth in the Italy squad and they have the defensive resilience and organisation to be able to keep a clean sheet. Italy to win 1-0.

The last four meetings between the sides have seen two draws and one win each.