Republic of Ireland faced already-qualified Italy in Group E on Wednesday night needing to win in order to advance into the knockout rounds of Euro 2016.
Martin O'Neill's side dominated the first 45 minutes in Lille, but the two teams entered the break on level terms.
It was a similar story for long spells of the second period, but Robbie Brady won it for Republic of Ireland in the 85th minute to send his country into the round of 16 as one of the best third-place finishers.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 coverage continues from Lille as Italy take on Republic of Ireland in Group E. The Italians have already booked their spot in the round of 16 as group winners, but Republic of Ireland have only taken one point from their two matches thus far and need to win tonight to stand a chance of securing a top-three finish. It should be a cracking game of football tonight!
Tonight will be the 15th clash between Italy and Republic of Ireland in international football. Italy have won nine of the previous 14, with Republic of Ireland claiming just two wins in the process. Italy actually beat Republic of Ireland 2-0 in the group stages of Euro 2012, while Republic of Ireland's sole competitive win against Italy was in the 1994 World Cup. Not the best omens then!
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Lille. Has Italy boss Antonio Conte shuffled his pack after already securing a spot in the round of 16?
TEAMS!
ITA: Sirigu; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Barzagli; De Sciglio, Florenzi, Motta, Sturaro, Bernardeschi; Zaza, Immobile
ROI: Randolph; Coleman, Duffy, Keogh, Ward; Hendrick, McClean, McCarthy, Brady; Murphy; Long
Conte has made eight changes to his team tonight, with Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Alessandro Florenzi the only three players retained from the team that recorded a 1-0 victory over Sweden last time out. Angelo Ogbonna replaces Giorgio Chiellini at the back, while Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile will start through the middle. Thiago Motta also comes into the middle of the park.
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Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill, meanwhile, has made four changes to the team that lost 3-0 against Belgium last time out. Richard Keogh and Shane Duffy replace John O'Shea and Ciaran Clark in defence, while James McClean takes the place of Glenn Whelan in midfield. There is also a change in the final third as Daryl Murphy starts ahead of Wes Hoolahan, who also drops to the bench.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just over 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Lille. I shall speak about Republic of Ireland a little bit later, but let's start with the Italians, who have already booked their spot in the knockout stage courtesy of two Group E wins.
Italy entered this competition with plenty of questions to answer. They were branded 'a spent force' in some quarters, but have silenced their doubters with a couple of strong wins thus far. Conte's side actually had no problems whatsoever qualifying for this summer's tournament after finishing clear at the top of Group H. The Azzurri won seven of their 10 matches during an unbeaten campaign.
This summer, they opened their challenge with a 2-0 win over Belgium on June 13, before recording a 1-0 victory over Sweden last week to ensure that they would make the round of 16. Their spot as group winners was confirmed after Belgium recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over Republic of Ireland.
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At Euro 2012, Italy reached the final, where they thumped 4-0 by Spain. They also finished as runners-up at Euro 2000, but went out in the group stages of Euro 2004 and in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008. Incredibly, the Blues have also been eliminated in the group stages of the last two World Cups.
In terms of what is ahead for Italy, Conte's side will take on Group D runners-up and indeed holders Spain, who lost to Croatia last night, in the last-16 stage on Monday night. You just sense that how well Italy perform in this competition will depend on their defence, which is so experienced.
As for Republic of Ireland, O'Neill's side opened their Group E campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sweden on June 13, but then lost 3-0 to Belgium on Saturday to leave them in a difficult position in the section. They will need to win tonight's match and hope that Sweden lose to Belgium, although a swing in goal difference also needs to occur for the Irish to sneak into the round of 16.
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Indeed, tonight's other Group E clash will take place in Nice as Sweden face Belgium. As it stands, Republic of Ireland are bottom of the group on one point and a minus one goal difference, but they would qualify as one of the best third-placed teams if they beat Italy and Sweden lose or draw to Belgium.
Somewhat surprisingly, this tournament is just Republic of Ireland's third ever European Championships. They made the finals in both 1988 and 2012, but bowed out in the group stages on both occasions. It is a very big ask for them to overcome Italy tonight, but the Azzurri have rested a number of key players and the opportunity is there to pull off a shock win. The fans certainly believe!
It would certainly hurt for Republic of Ireland to exit at this stage considering what they have been through in terms of qualification. O'Neill's side finished third behind Germany and Poland in Group D, before beating Bosnia 3-1 on aggregate in the playoffs to make the finals. They were handed a very tough group, but are still in with a chance of making the round of 16. Kickoff is not too far away now.
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I would not want to be on that plane going home with an angry Roy Keane later this week, that is for sure. You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there indeed is one - could be crucial. Italy have nothing to play for and an opening goal for the Irish could spur them to a famous win.
Confirmation of the two teams for tonight's match...
ITA: Sirigu; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Barzagli; De Sciglio, Motta, Sturaro, Florenzi; Zaza, Immobile, Bernardeschi
ROI: Randolph; Coleman, Duffy, Keogh, Ward; Hendrick, McClean, McCarthy, Brady; Murphy; Long
Could this man yet have an impact at Euro 2016? Robbie Keane is once again on the bench for Republic of Ireland, but we will surely see the 144-time international footballer at some point!
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Here we go then - national anthem time!
Emotional anthems, as expected! Both the Italian and Republic of Ireland supporters have been wonderful at these championships. Will it be a special night for those following the team in green?!
KICKOFF! Italy kick this game off in Lille...
... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. Only a win will do for Republic of Ireland tonight, but this Italian team will be intent on finishing on nine points and sent out a message ahead of the knockout stages. As expected, it has been an all-action start!
Italy have enjoyed most of the possession in the early exchanges, but Republic of Ireland are closing the space and flying into challenges, just as Roy Keane wanted! What the former Manchester United captain would give to be out on that pitch against the Italians tonight.
Brady looks to feed Long inside the Italy box and the striker pokes the ball back to his teammate, but Bonucci is across to make the challenge. You can sense how much this means to Republic of Ireland, but they need to keep their emotions in check, especially in the early exchanges here.
Jeff Hendrick flies into a challenge with Florenzi and the Italians are not too pleased with it! It was not great from the Republic of Ireland midfielder, who is fortunate to escape a yellow card.
Half-chance for Italy as Bernardeschi delivers a wonderful cross into the Republic of Ireland box, but Duffy is on hand to clear with a wonderful header. You just get the feeling that Ireland cannot afford to concede the first goal tonight, especially not against a team that is so strong at the back.
CLOSE! Super work from Hendrick as the midfielder bullies Motta off the ball before striking one towards the far corner, but his effort just misses the post. So close for the Irish!
McClean does well to rob possession in the Italian half and the midfielder finds Brady, who looks to slide a pass into Long, but Bonucci is across to make the challenge once again. Italy are not overly concerned about attacking at the moment, which is good news for the Republic of Ireland here.
Not too much to report in terms of Italian chances, but they do look capable of causing problems when their five-man midfield stretches the play. Republic of Ireland continue to work hard in Lille.
Ward has a problem for Republic of Ireland after clashing with Bernardeschi, who is also down.
This does not look great for Ward, who questions the challenge from Bernardeschi in a conversation with the referee. The last thing that the Irish need is to be forced into a defensive change here.
Republic of Ireland continue to make good progress in the final third, but they are not really threatening the Italian goal at the moment. The referee is forced to intervene once again after Ogbonna and Long come together inside the box. Those two know each other from the Premier League!
SAVE! Almost the opening goal for Republic of Ireland as Murphy meets a corner from Brady, but his header is tipped over the crossbar by Sirigu. So unlucky from the striker there!
There is no question that Republic of Ireland are the better team at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third, but they really need to start taking their chances in this game.
McClean continues to keep a wide position for Republic of Ireland, but the quality into the number 11 has not been the best so far! Ward then breaks past McClean on the left, but Barzagli is across with a crunching challenge. Brady with the chance to deliver some quality into the box here...
... wonderful cross from Brady, but Barzagli clears with a fine header!
A poor back-pass from Duffy puts Randolph under pressure and Republic of Ireland are forced to defend a corner from the right. The set piece is delivered by Bernardeschi, but McCarthy is on hand to clear with a fine header. Still goalless with 29 minutes of this Group E clash played in Lille.
CHANCE! Another long ball causes all sorts of problems inside the Italian box, but Duffy heads over the crossbar at the far post. Should have done better despite pressure from Barzagli.
Randolph decides to produce a smart turn under pressure from Zaza inside his own box. It worked, but not sure how O'Neill and Keane will feel about that one! Still goalless with 34 played here.
Italy seem to be there for the taking tonight, but Republic of Ireland really need to score the first goal. At the moment, the team in blue are more than prepared to sit deep and defend at 0-0.
Super work from McClean as the winger weaves his way past two challenges and Barzagli is forced to bring the number 11 to the deck. Another chance for Brady to deliver from a free kick here...
... Brady again produces a fine delivery, but Sirigu is on hand to punch clear!
BOOKINGS! Sirigu (Italy) and Long (Ireland) are both booked following a clash.
Just a reminder that Republic of Ireland have to win tonight if they are to make the last-16. A point would not be good enough, which means that they will have to start throwing everything at Italy at some stage of tonight's match. Not long left in the first period and we are still goalless in Lille.
CLOSE! Immobile just misses the post with a long-range strike!
PENALTY SHOUT! McClean goes down inside the box under a challenge from Bernardeschi, but the referee is not interested. Looked one to me - what a massive call!
Just the one minute to be added at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Italy 0-0 Republic of Ireland
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close and as it stands, Republic of Ireland are bowing out of Euro 2016 with two points. There is no question that the team in green and white have been the superior outfit, but Italy have dug in to keep the score level at the break.
STATS! Italy have just about shaded the possession with 54%, but they have only had one attempt and that missed the target. Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, hit the target with one of their three attempts in the first period. It has been a feisty game in terms of challenges, but the two yellow cards that have arrived were issued when Sirigu and Long came together inside the Italian box.
BENCH WATCH! Italy have a number of attacking options on their bench tonight, with the likes of Candreva, Eder, El Shaaraway, Giaccherini, Insigne and Pelle all capable of making a difference. Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Robbie Keane, Hoolahan, Walters and McGeady.
RESTART! Republic of Ireland resume the action in Lille...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage of events. However, I suspect that both managers will have changes in mind for the second period.
Wonderful noise inside the stadium at the moment as the Republic of Ireland supporters look to boost their players. Italy are not overly concerned with attacking at the moment, which was also the case for long spells of the first period. The onus is on the team in green and white tonight.
Long continues to work the line for Republic of Ireland, but the Southampton striker is struggling for service at the moment as another long pass from Hendrick fails to find the desired target.
Brady has another chance to deliver a telling free kick after Ogbonna fells Long, but Sirigu is on hand to claim with relative ease. Duffy was jumping, but the goalkeeper was always the favourite.
CHANCE! Wonderful technique from Zaza as the Italian striker meets a super cross from De Sciglio, but his volley is just over the crossbar. Would have been very special!
Republic of Ireland will get chances in this second period, but you just wonder whether they have the players to put the ball in the back of the net. Long is an assured finisher, but Murphy has struggled to get into the match after a strong opening and he could well be replaced here.
CHANCE! A mistake from Motta presents Coleman with a shooting chance inside the Italian box, but the right-back's effort is blocked by Ogbonna. Sloppy defending from the Italians!
ITALY SUB! Darmian replaces Bernardeschi in Italy's first change.
We are entering the stage of the match where Martin O'Neill will be considering changes, but there is no movement on the Irish bench as we enter the final 30 minutes of action in Lille.
Half-chance for Republic of Ireland as Hendrick works a yard of space outside the box before striking towards the far corner, but his effort was always wide of the post. Still goalless here.
Duffy hits one wide of the post as Republic of Ireland continue to threaten here.
Smart work from Immobile as the Italian striker turns away from Duffy and the centre-back is forced to bring the number 11 to the ground. Still more than enough time for Republic of Ireland to score tonight, but they have not really threatened Sirigu since the interval, which will be a concern.
REP IRELAND SUB! McGeady replaces Murphy for Republic of Ireland.
McClean strikes a bouncing ball outside the Italian box, but his effort is well wide.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and Republic of Ireland have to score. It is as simple as that. As it stands, they are heading out of the competition as the fourth-place team in Group E.
BOOKING! Ward (Rep Ireland) is booked for a late challenge on Florenzi.
McGeady strikes over the crossbar after working some space outside the Italian box.
ITALY SUB! Insigne replaces Immobile for the Italians.
Florenzi races clear for Italy and delivers a dangerous cross into the Republic of Ireland box, but the ball had just moved out of play and O'Neill's side can resume play from the dead-ball line here.
REP IRELAND SUB! Hoolahan replaces McCarthy for Republic of Ireland.
POST! Insigne drives across the edge of the Republic of Ireland box before curling a low strike against the post. Almost a wonderful goal from the substitute there!
BOOKING! Barzagli (Italy) is booked for dissent.
We are into the final 10 minutes of this match and the score is still goalless. As it stands, Republic of Ireland will finish bottom of Group E and will be on the next plane out of here. Well, not quite. But you know what I mean. It would be really disappointing to exit at this stage of the competition.
ITALY SUB! El Shaaraway replaces De Sciglio for the Italians.
Italy once again deal with a high ball into their own box and Republic of Ireland seem short of ideas at the moment, which is a real concern as we enter the final five minutes of this clash.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Hoolahan as the substitute breaks through after a mistake in the Italian defence, but the midfielder cannot beat Sirigu from close range - wow!
GOAL! Italy 0-1 Republic of Ireland (Brady)
Oh my word! Republic of Ireland take the lead in the 85th minute of this match as Brady heads a terrific Hoolahan cross into the back of the net. What a moment for the Irish in the stadium!
As it stands, Republic of Ireland are advancing into the round of 16!
REP IRELAND SUB! Quinn replaces Long for Republic of Ireland.
We are into the first of three additional minutes here.
The Republic of Ireland supporters can hardly contain themselves at the moment!
Anywhere will do for Republic of Ireland as the Italians continue to deliver high balls!
FULL-TIME: Italy 0-1 Republic of Ireland
What a night for Republic of Ireland! Martin O'Neill's side have advanced into the round of 16 courtesy of a 1-0 win over Italy. They finish third in Group E, but that is enough to advance. France wait in the next round! That is just about it from me tonight. Be sure to join Sports Mole again soon!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
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