International
2009-04-01 - Italy vs Republic of Ireland
A Sports Betting Pick by Stephen
Football: International, FIFA World Cup 2010
(UEFA) European Qualifiers
Wednesday 1st April 2009 - Kickoff 19:50
ITALY (1st - Group 8 - 4-1-0 8:2 13 pts)
Italy are sitting at the top of group 8 and looking very strong for qualification half way through their games. They are 2 points clear of their opponents Ireland after a hard fought 2-0 win in Montenegro on Saturday.
Italy didnt have it all their own way in that game as Fabio Cannavaro was lucky not to be red carded early in the game and Montenegro missed a sitter to equalise early in second half.
The Italian performances have not been too impressive so far in the group and often Italy don't qualify playing their best but rather save it for the Championships itself. Saturday was a test and they came through it but manager Lippi was pleased with the second half performance.
This will be a big game as a victory would almost guarantee automatic qualification, whereas a draw or defeat would leave the Irish with every chance of topping the group.
Italy will be without some very key players for the biggest game in group 8 so far. Injuries have sidelined, Gennaro Gattuso, Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino while Antonio Di Natale hurt his knee in Saturdays win and is expected to be out of action till next season.
IRELAND (2nd - Group 8 - 3-2-0 6:3 11 pts)
Things started so brightly against Bulgaria on Saturday with Richard Dunne's early goal, but Trappatoni's men couldnt add to their early lead and ended up conceding with a Kevin Kilbane OG with 18 minutes to go.
It was a very poor affair overall and a draw was probably a fair result.
Ireland must avoid defeat in this game to have any realistic chance of topping the group and earning automatic qualification to South Africa. Defeat would mean a battle with Bulgaria and Cyprus for the runners-up postiion and the play off slot.
Most Irish fans are not too confident going into this one after Saturdays dismal display. However nobody knows the Italian game better than boss Giovanni Trappatoni and his defensive system may just frustrate the Italians.
Although the table does not make for good reading for the Irish, some sections of the media have begun to question Trappatoni's tactics, and especially his exclusion of talented midfielder Andy Reid. A result In Bari may just get them back on his side.
Ireland, like Italy have their fare share of injury problems. They will again be without Damien Duff who injured himself in training last week. Aiden Mcgeady is a doubt with a hamstring problem but could start.
Stephen Reid remains a long term casualty as does Steve Finnan. Added to this are Andy Reid who didnt make the squad and Stephen Ireland who still refuses to come back to the international set up.
The Irish could be without 5 first choice midfielders for this game. It could be a tough 90 mins.
STATISTICS
ITALY LAST 5 GAMES
28.03 09 WCE G8 Montenegro-Italy 0:2
10.02 09 FRIEND Brazil-Italy 2:0
19.11 08 FRIEND Greece-Italy 1:1
15.10 08 WCE G8 Italy-Montenegro 2:1
11.10 08 WCE G8 Bulgaria-Italy 0:0
IRELAND LAST 5 GAMES
28.03 09 WC G8 Ireland -Bulgaria 1:1
11.02.09 WC G8 Ireland – Georgia 2:1
19.11.08 FRIEND Ireland – Poland 2:3
15.10.08 WC G8 Ireland – Cyprus 1:0
10.09.08 WC G8 Montenegro – Ireland 0:0
GROUP 8 TABLE
P W D L F A PTS
1 Italy 5 4 1 0 8 2 13
2 Ireland 5 3 2 0 6 3 11
3 Cyprus 4 1 1 2 4 5 4
4 Bulgaria 4 0 4 0 3 3 4
5 Montenegro 4 0 2 2 3 6 2
6 Georgia 6 0 2 4 4 9 2
THE BETTING VERDICT
I cant see this game being a classic with a very Italian defensive minded mentality behind both teams.
I expect a low scoring win for the Italians with the Irish making it difficult for them. A win for the Italians at 4/9 may not be too appealing so I'm gonna go for Under 2.5 goals at 4/5 as my bet.
