Ireland to face Italy, Croatia & Spain

THE Republic of Ireland have been drawn against reigning European and World champions Spain while Giovanni Trapattoni is eyeing up a reunion with his home nation, Italy, after the Irish were handed a tough Euro 2012 group this evening.
 

Ireland have been drawn in Group C after the draw in Kiev pitted them with Croatia, as well as reigning kingpins Spain and Italy.

“It is impossible to say which group would have been better because we know our position in the rankings,” Trapattoni said, seeming reasonably content with his side's lot.
 

“We have to think that in football all is possible. We have to play with the same mentality against any team and all the teams in this draw are very, very difficult.”
 

Trapattoni's Ireland could be facing a crunch clash with the Italians as the sides meet in the final group game on June 18th in Poznan. With the games against Spain and Croatia coming first up, it could mean an intriguing meeting with the Azzuri, managed by Cesare Prandelli – against whom Ireland have played against three times under Trapattoni, and are unbeaten.
 

“I know a bit about Ireland, but every game is different,” said the 72-year Italian.
 

FAI CEO John Delaney gave a nod of approval after seeing Ireland drawn in Group C, as it meant avoiding the logistical nightmare of being based in Ukraine. The draw Irish fans wanted most was to be placed in Group A with co-hosts Poland.
 

That Ireland are based in Poland will also be music to the ears of the many Irish fans who had already booked their trips in advance of this evening's draw.
 

A meeting with the old enemy, England, looked on the cards right up until the penultimate ball was pulled from the drum, when Italy were confirmed as the final team in Group C.
 

Ireland will begin their Euro 2012 tournament on June 10th when they tackle Croatia in Poznan - in 190 days time! The game against Spain will take place four days later in Gdansk.
 

That game is a repeat of the World Cup second round fixture in Suwon in 2002 when Ireland lost on penalties. Since then, Spain have won the 2008 European Championships and the World Cup in South Africa last year.
 

“They are one of the world's strongest teams, but we have to play against them like we would against Brazil, Italy or Germany,” said Trap.
 

“It (the 2002 game) is a long time ago, but we have to think about our moment.”

The Group of death appears to be Group B, which contains Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Portugal.


GROUP A
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic

GROUP B
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Portugal

GROUP C
Spain
Italy
Republic of Ireland
Croatia

GROUP D
Ukraine
Sweden
France
England


GROUP C FIXTURES

10 June 2012
Spain v Italy   Gdansk, Poland

10 June 2012
Rep of Ireland v Croatia        Poznan, Poland

14 June 2012
Italy v Croatia Poznan, Poland

14 June 2012
Spain v Rep of Ireland  Gdansk, Poland

18 June 2012
Croatia v Spain Gdansk, Poland

18 June 2012
Italy v Rep of Ireland  Poznan, Poland