Not only will the Azzurri have to oust the Irish, but they will also have to pray for Spain to beat Croatia in Monday's other Group C clash.
Having surrendered potential victories, in 1-1 draws with Spain and Croatia in their first two games of Group C, Italy will be forced to claim maximum points in their final group game against the already-eliminated Republic of Ireland in Poznan on Monday.
If Italy manage to defeat Ireland, which shouldn't be too much of a complicated task considering Ireland's horrific run of form, it would see them progress to the quarter-finals, unless Group C's other clash between Croatia and Spain ends in a draw.
If this were to be the case, several different factors would come into question, as for instance, a 1-1 draw would mean that all three sides would finish with identical records. The only way to find a solution here, would be by applying the results gained against Ireland.
But Italy, who were eliminated from Euro 2004 due to a supposed fix between Nordic brothers Sweden and Denmark who played out a suspicious 2-2 draw, shouldn't have this on their mind when they enter their clash with the Irish.
Cesare Prandelli and Italy obviously can't predict the future, and for that reason they should focus exclusively on Ireland, and forget about the other possible scenarios, no matter what they could be.
The Azzurri already know that if they beat Giovanni Trapattoni's troops, they should almost be assured of their spot in the next phase, because they would surely rate Spain's chances of beating Croatia in the first place.
Focusing on soccer matters, Italy still remain unbeaten in twelve competitive matches under Prandelli, but as has been in clear evidence in Euro 2012 they have great problems when it comes to killing off their rivals.
Prandelli has got Italy playing a nice attractive style of soccer, but unfortunately their players seem to lose a certain level of gas when it comes to the second half, or more precisely towards the closure of games.
Italy, who are unlikely to count with the services of the injured Mario Balotelli, still appear to be a far superior side when compared to Ireland, but in order to claim their first victory of the competition, not only will they have to sort out their defensive woes, but the issues surrounding their poor offensive line too.
If Italy manage to learn from their past mistakes, and get some help from Spain their Euro 2012 stay could be prolonged.
If Italy manage to defeat Ireland, which shouldn't be too much of a complicated task considering Ireland's horrific run of form, it would see them progress to the quarter-finals, unless Group C's other clash between Croatia and Spain ends in a draw.
If this were to be the case, several different factors would come into question, as for instance, a 1-1 draw would mean that all three sides would finish with identical records. The only way to find a solution here, would be by applying the results gained against Ireland.
But Italy, who were eliminated from Euro 2004 due to a supposed fix between Nordic brothers Sweden and Denmark who played out a suspicious 2-2 draw, shouldn't have this on their mind when they enter their clash with the Irish.
Cesare Prandelli and Italy obviously can't predict the future, and for that reason they should focus exclusively on Ireland, and forget about the other possible scenarios, no matter what they could be.
The Azzurri already know that if they beat Giovanni Trapattoni's troops, they should almost be assured of their spot in the next phase, because they would surely rate Spain's chances of beating Croatia in the first place.
Focusing on soccer matters, Italy still remain unbeaten in twelve competitive matches under Prandelli, but as has been in clear evidence in Euro 2012 they have great problems when it comes to killing off their rivals.
Prandelli has got Italy playing a nice attractive style of soccer, but unfortunately their players seem to lose a certain level of gas when it comes to the second half, or more precisely towards the closure of games.
Italy, who are unlikely to count with the services of the injured Mario Balotelli, still appear to be a far superior side when compared to Ireland, but in order to claim their first victory of the competition, not only will they have to sort out their defensive woes, but the issues surrounding their poor offensive line too.
If Italy manage to learn from their past mistakes, and get some help from Spain their Euro 2012 stay could be prolonged.
