Italy take on republic of Ireland in a very important match from Italy’s point of view. Ireland has already been eliminated from the tournament and they would be playing for pride in the next match whereas Italy would be looking to win the match which would see them sealing their last eight spot.

Here are some of the players who would be crucial to their team’s performance in the match:

Italy:

Antonio Cassano: With Balotelli getting injured during their training, Cassano is most likely to start as a striker in the match. He is a good striker and has proved it in the past. Cassano would be crucial and is expected to create the spark that Balotelli failed to do in the previous matches.

Di Natale: He has hit form at the right time had a decent season with his club Udinese. He is a natural goal scorer and in all likelihood partner Cassano up in the front. Irelandwould be wary of him and will definitely have a strategy for him.

Ireland:

Robbie Keane: With 53 goals, he is Ireland’s highest goal scorer till date and would have to bring all his experience in play tonight. He is an experienced player and has played for renowned clubs across the World. The match is expected to be his last more the country as he has hinted at a possible retirement after the tournament. So, Keane would be raring to go all guns out and would look to sign off on a high.

Shay Given: The Aston Villa goalkeeper is the most experienced player of the side. He is the most capped player of the team and did have a tournament, but then would look to make amends in this match to salvage pride. He regarded as one of the top goalkeepers of the World and would have to use his reflexes and aptitude to stop the Azzuri’s from finding the nets.

By Indian Sports News Network