clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Euro 2012 Game Time Thread: Italy vs. Ireland

Unfortunately they asked Antonio how many points Italy has after two group games. Better luck next time.
Unfortunately they asked Antonio how many points Italy has after two group games. Better luck next time.

One last group game — and it just happens to be against a pretty familiar face.

The Trap is back. But let's hope the Azzurri don't fall into one. (See what I did there? /pats self on back)

This game, of course, isn't the only thing that Italy needs to have happen to advance. The Azzurri need a little help from their friends, the Croats, if they want to keep things simple. If say the Croats and Spain play out a draw, then things get interesting — and as a result, Italy could be on the way back and ItalJuve could be seen on a beach near you in a matter of a week or two.

Team news: It seems like media outlet is indicating that Italy manager Cesare Prandelli is going to a 4-3-1-2 formation for the decisive clash against the Irish. ... Andrea Barzagli returns today, which you'd think a 3-5-2 would be pretty much a lock, but Prandelli is going in a different direction tactically. ... Mario Balotelli picked up a knock to his knee on Saturday, but appears to have shaken it off while training yesterday. ... No players are missing out due to yellow card accumulation.

UPDATE: WE HAVE LINEUPS!

Italy (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Balzaretti; De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio; Thiago Motta; Cassano, Di Natale

Ireland (4-4-2): Given; O’Shea, St Ledger, Dunne, Ward; McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Duff; Doyle, Keane