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Italy -v- Rep. of Ireland
- Alan Smith
- Wed, Apr 01 2009
The Green Army have descended on Bari for what is a crucial clash with group leaders Italy (kick-off 7.50pm). The Irish will need a result from the game if they’re to push the current World Champions all the way in Group 8.
Trappatoni and his charges came in for some stiff criticism after the disappointing 1-1 draw with Bulgaria at Croke Park last Saturday. However, a result in Southern Italy tonight will certainly shut the strongest of critics up.
Aiden McGeady will not be involved though, after picking up a knee injury late on in the Bulgarian game and Andy Keogh looks likely to replace the Celtic winger. Other than that, the Irish will start as they did in Dublin last weekend.
‘Trap’ has been much maligned for his negative style of play, but the style will be suited to tonight’s game. It will be a case of fighting fire with fire.
Only two nations have taken a result home with them from Italy in the past three years- Lithuania and France. Trappatoni though, has the upper hand on opposite number Marcelo Lippi in head to head contests but there is no doubting that it will be the Azzurri who are expected to take all three points.
They key for Ireland tonight is to keep better possession of the ball. If they give it away as needlessly as in the Bulgaria game, then the Irish will struggle from kick off. The two holding midfielders which Trappatoni loves to player will also be pivotal. If they manage to get in some decent challenges, while making a drastic improvement on their distribution of the ball, then the Irish will have some chance of taking at least a point at home.
The Italians have only dropped two points so far, a 0-0 away to Bulgaria. It will certainly be a shock for Lippi’s men if they’re defeated tonight. Giuseppe Rossi has been in good form of late for Villareal and former team-mate, John O’Shea will have his work cut out to keep the 22 year old quiet.
Extratime.ie Prediction: As much as we’d all like to see an Irish win, the Italians should win comfortably.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90.