Italy vs. Republic of Ireland takes place Monday and it's crunch time for Italy. After only drawing their opening two games they sit third in Group C and only a win will do if they are to have any chance of making it through to the quarter finals. The game can be watched live on ESPN 2 or alternatively fans can watch online through live stream on ESPN 3 (details below).
(Photo: Reuters/Tony Gentile)Italy's national soccer players Gianluigi Buffon (R) and Mario Balotelli talk during a training session in Coverciano, near Florence, May 30, 2012.Ireland are already eliminated having had a terrible campaign till now. They have be slaughtered in their games against Croatia and Spain in their opening two games, and are simply playing for pride. If they do manage to beat Italy they will go into third and drop Italy down in to last place in the group. That may be inspiration enough to get Ireland fired up, and they will be psyched anyway to give their fans some compensation for having to watch their side being swept aside so easily thus far.
Ireland have a knack for causing Italy problems and in their past five games against each other, Italy have only gained victory once. In 1994 Ireland beat Italy in the World Cup in one of their most famous victories.
Italy simply need to win to stand any hope of going through. However, even if they win, if Spain and Croatia draw 2-2 in the other group game, they are out. The Italians will be hoping either Spain or Croatia can gain victory, and that they can do their part by beating Ireland. If so then Italy will take the place of the losing side in the Spain vs. Croatia game.
Italy will have seen how Holland were knocked out Sunday – becoming the biggest casualty of the tournament so far. Italy would be another fallen giant if they fail to make it through today, having gone through their qualification campaign unbeaten.
Italy vs. Ireland is being shown on TV live on ESPN 2, or can be watched online through live streaming on ESPN 3 by clicking HERE.
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