Group C reaches a climax tonight and Ireland will be desperate to give their suffering fans something to cheer about. It’s fair to say that Ireland have found this tournament tough. Beaten 3-1 by Croatia in their opening game they were then outclassed in every department by world champions Spain in a 4-0 defeat. They go into tonight’s game knowing that the adventure ends here. But can they go out on a high?
Italy need a win to stay in the tournament after two Group C draws to their name and it’s no surprise to see them the strong favourites here. But is their price too short? Italy were 4/6 to win this game two weeks ago, they’re now as short as 2/7 after Ireland’s collapse. Too short? We think so.
If Italy are too short then naturally Ireland are too big and because of that and other factors they have to be supported tonight. Whilst we are aware they could collapse to another soul-sapping defeat they are worth taking a chance with one more time. It’s 18 years to the day since they beat Italy 1-0 in the 1994 World Cup, under the tutelage of Giovanni Trapattoni they are unbeaten in three games against Italy and the Italians haven’t won in the finals of a European Championship or World Cup in six games.
Can Italy be trusted? We saw them lose to Slovakia and draw with New Zealand in the 2010 World Cup. Let’s swerve them here and back Ireland to win or draw tonight in the Double Chance market. That’s 11/4 with Stan James and that’s good enough for us.
Key Facts
- Giovanni Trapattoni has overseen one win and two draws in three games against Italy when managing Ireland.
- Italy haven’t won in six games in a Euro or World Cup Finals.
- Ireland were 5/1 to win this game two weeks ago. They’re now 11/1.
