Euro 2016: Italy vs Republic of Ireland- 5 players to watch out for
Ireland take on Italy at the at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, in a must-win game for the Irish on matchday 11. Italy are already through to the knockout stages, registering 2 wins out of their 2 matches of UEFA Euro 2016 and the Irish will have to give it their all if they are to secure a third-place finish in their group.
Antonio Conte’s tactical masterclass helped Italy qualify for the knockout stages with a game in hand, and the new Chelsea manager will look to rest some of his players. The likes of Stephan El Shaarawy, Simone Zaza and Thiago Motta are likely to play a part in this match, while Italian captain, Gianluigi Buffon, will miss the match due to high fever.
Ireland has to win this match if they are to secure a place in the last 16. They need to look out for the result of the Belgium vs Sweden match, but most importantly, they have to find a way to beat an impressive Italian side. Their -3 goal difference will make life harder for them.
1) Lorenzo Insigne
The 25-year-old Italian is probable to start today, as Conte will look to rest a few players, and test their bench strength. The winger from Napoli can play on either of the flanks, and also as a forward, but is usually deployed at left wing. Insigne is known to be creative, pacey and his technical abilities will pose a threat to the Irish goal.
With 13 goals and 11 assists in the 2015-16 Serie A season, Insigne impressed everyone at Napoli, and will look to do the same for his country. The Irish defense will have their work cut out against the Italian, but the experience of O’Shea will be crucial in negating his threat.
Insigne has made 15 appearances for the Azzurri’s, scoring 7 goals. With Conte expected to rest a few of his players, Insigne will have a huge impact on the outcome of the match, with Italy looking to make it 3 wins out of 3.