It’s the penultimate evening of the group stages already and Group C is still far from decided. While Republic of Ireland have nothing but pride to play for against Italy, Cesare Prandelli’s team need the three points to stand any chance of progressing.

A win for Spain against Croatia in the other game would be beneficial to the Italian cause but, as the previous couple of nights have shown, we should take nothing for granted. Both games kick off at 7.45pm this evening and, as always, our Dugout Discussion is up and running.

The team news is in and is as follows:

For Italy, Cesare Prandelli rings the changes for their must-win match. The 3-5-2 system is out, replaced by a 4-3-1-2, while four players are replaced in the starting XI. Ignazio Abate and Federico Balzaretti are handed starting roles at right and left-back respectively, Daniel De Rossi moves back into midfield, while Andrea Barzagli comes in at centre-half. Thiago Motta plays “in the hole” behind a front two, with Antonio Di Natale partnering Antonio Cassano up top – Mario Balotelli, Christian Maggio, Emanuele Giacherrini and Leonardo Bonucci drop out.

Giovanni Trapattoni makes just a single alteration to his side, with Kevin Doyle returning to partner Robbie Keane up front – this means Simon Cox drops to the bench.

Italy Starting XI: Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Balzaretti; De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio; Motta; Cassano, Di Natale

Republic of Ireland XI: Given; O’Shea, St Ledger, Dunne, Ward; McGeady, Andrews, Whelan, Duff; Keane, Doyle

Defending champions Spain keep faith in the side that hammered Republic of Ireland last time out. Fernando Torres continues to lead the line after his double against Trapattoni’s troops last Thursday, leaving Cesc Fabregas to warm the bench.

Slaven Bilic makes a couple of changes to his side. Croatia look for a little more security and roll out what appears to be a 4-5-1 formation; Nikica Jelavic drops out, as does Ivan Perisic, with Danijel Pranjic and Domagoj Vida handed starting roles against the Spanish.

Spain Starting XI: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Alonso; Silva, Torres, Iniesta

Croatia Starting XI: Pletikosa; Srna, Corluka, Schildenfeld, Strinic; Pranjic, Rakitic, Vida, Vukojevic, Modric; Mandzukic