Euro2012 – Italy vs Ireland – Trapattoni’s final say
By David, bettingexpert.com | Edited
As they attempt to allay fears of another repeat of the Denmark vs Sweden 2-2 draw that had them packing early in Euro 2004 Italy should make sure to focus on their game with Ireland as Trapattoni may not be in a mood for favours after the two defeats suffered in the first two matches.
Italy – Ireland Odds: Euro 2012
On the right are odds for the match between Italy and Ireland, which will remain visible right until kick off.
Italy – Ireland Preview: Euro 2012
The Italians’ faith will also have to lie in Spain’s ability at hiding the ball from the Croats in order to keep the score low. The main preoccupation of Italy is on how Spain will perform in that match, still shuddering at what can re-happen if they strike another useless group victory in their Euro group stage, like in 2004.
The major fears for Prandelli and his players, however, should be revolving around the Irish team’s need to make up for what has been a disastrous campaign so far. They have fared worst of all teams and are now being labeled the worst side at the Euro championship this year. After all they scored just once and conceded seven in two games. It is not a pretty record and I suspect Trapattoni will not be thinking about any special treatment for his country of origin. He will do the only thing he can in this moment and that means appealing to his players’ pride and ask them to go back home with heads held high …and the Italians’ scalp in their hands.
Changes might be on the horizon for Italy with criticism piling up on the manager for having a team too sterile in attack. The 3-5-2 may have been necessary against the Spanish armada but it was frowned upon when offered again against Croatia. Many feel they could have sealed the game early if they took the chances they created before running out of fuel and inviting the Croats too much into their own box. Without an instinctive striker on the pitch it turned out to be problematic to put the ball in the net.
Therefore, De Rossi could move in a central midfield position turning the formation back to a 4-4-2. Prandelli does not like to make much changes to his starting line-up but with him being angry at the players who started the Croatia match he might turn to some new faces this time around.
Italy – Ireland injury news: Euro 2012
Barzagli may still not be able to recover and this would thus be his third game that he misses. It may also be his last if Italy walk out after this match. Giovinco is rumoured to be ready for a start in place of Cassano along with Di Natale to replace Balotelli. Big changes could lie ahead if Prandelli goes back to a 4-4-2 with Chiellini taking the left-back role, Maggio right-back duties and De Rossi back in midfield with Pirlo and Marchisio.
Reverting back to a 4-4-2 may be a mistake admission by Prandelli so it is likely we can exclude that. He can just change the full-backs with Abate and Balzaretti coming in.
Trapattoni should not have many pieces to move around. Probably he can give Walters a chance alongside Keane in attack.
Italy – Ireland Betting: Euro 2012
Italy’s mistake is that they may be focusing too much on what might happen between Croatia and Spain when in fact they ought to take Ireland seriously. Old fox Trapattoni might have a surprise ready for his Italy.
Verdict: Ireland +1
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