22nd Jun 2016 | Euro 2016
Irish Ready To Roll The Dice
Italy are assured of top spot and will already be thinking solely about a shock showdown with Spain on Sunday.
If Italy needed a result, there is no way we could predict a 1-0 Republic of Ireland victory at 13/2 (Bet365) with any justification, but they now have full focus on a surprise last 16 clash with Spain.
So if there was any doubt before that Antonio Conte would rest his key players for this Group E swansong, those have surely now gone.
When we look at how those in pole position have fared so far in their final group outings, the Irish get further hope:
France 0 Switzerland 0
England 0 Slovakia 0
Germany 1 N Ireland 0
Spain 1 Croatia 2
No favourite has been convincing and only Italy kick-off assured of first spot.
Yet the Azzuri have a mean defence and if they are to stumble then itβs impossible to imagine any more than one goal against, coupled with a lack of ambition going forward.
The Irish failed to find a shot on target against Belgium, but this a team who beat Germany 1-0 when it mattered in qualifying, so they have a real chance against half-hearted opponents.
*Back Ireland to win 1-0 with Bet365 who will refund your bet if the match ends 0-0 instead. T&Cs apply. Click Bet365 link to find full details.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 14:17 22nd Jun, 2016 but subject to change