Preview: Group C - Italy vs. Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland may have already been eliminated from Euro 2012 but their final Group C opponents Italy have it all to play for.

Two defeats out of two have left Giovanni Trapattoni's side bottom of the group with just pride at stake as a number of his players will play in major international tournament spotlight for what is probably the very last time.

However, for the Azzurri it is simply a must-win game as they look to advance into the last eight of the competition.

It's not all entirely simple for the Italians though as a draw in the other group match between holders Spain and Croatia would see both those sides qualify for the quarter-finals.

The Italians must hope that there is a clear winner in that game and that they can triumph over Ireland themselves. Anything else is just not good enough for the 2006 World Cup winners.

As for team news itself, Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli could be rested for the game after limping out of training with a knee injury, with Antonio Di Natale ready to lead the line.

Defender Andrea Barzagli is expected to be fit for the clash after sitting out their opening two matches with a calf problem.

For Ireland, Fulham winger Damien Duff is set to captain his country as he earns his 100th cap.

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Kevin Doyle is also expecting to start at the expense of Simon Cox in Trapattoni's only change.

Recent form:

Italy: WLLLDD ROI: DDDWDLL

Possible starting XIs:

Italy: Buffon; Chiellini, De Rossi, Bonucci; Ciaccherni, Marchisio, Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Maggio; Di Natale, Cassano

ROI: Given; O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward; Duff, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady; Keane, Doyle

Sports Mole says: 2-1