EURO U21 Preview: Italy U21 -v- Republic of Ireland U21

Ireland players celebrate their team’s goal during the UEFA Under 21 Championship Qualifier, Republic of Ireland versus Norway

Ireland players celebrate their team’s goal during the UEFA Under 21 Championship Qualifier, Republic of Ireland versus Norway Credit: David Ribeiro (ETPhotos)

On Tuesday night in Trieste the Ireland under-21 team can make history. A win over Italy would make Jim Crawford’s side the first Ireland team to qualify for an under-21 European Championship.

If they can’t get the victory to overhaul table toppers Italy though in the final qualifier, they can still make the tournament next summer in Slovakia.

A play-off will be their’s without a win should Ireland match or better Norway’s result at home to Türkiye. Both matches kick off at 5.30pm with Ireland’s game being shown live on RTÉ2.

Ireland had a play-off in their hands on Friday night in Cork only for a controversial refereeing call in injury time enable Norway to get a late equaliser but the Ireland boss is happy with where his team is at.

“This is a great position to be in,” said Crawford. “To be going into the final game with a chance to top the group is a credit to this group. When the draw was made we would have taken this opportunity.

"Over the last few years we’re getting closer and closer and I do sense a growing belief among Irish players we can get there.”

 

Ireland drew 2-2 with unbeaten Italy earlier in the qualifiying campaign and the young Boys in Green are boosted by the return of striker Sinclair Armstrong from suspension

Skipper Andrew Moran says that the team has “grown throughout the campaign. Players are now playing week in, week out, so naturally that quality is shining through.



"We’ve an amazing opportunity against the Italians but the performances we’ve produced against them in Cork and against other teams in this group show we shouldn’t go there with fear.”

Referee: Adam Ladebäck (Sweden)

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile