The Euro 2016 group stages now come to their conclusion this evening as Group E treats us to two final matches before the knockout Round of 16 gets underway on Saturday.
Group E winners Italy already know their fate.
Having won their first couple of fixtures, The Azzurri will battle Spain for a place in the last eight after the defending champions threw away a one-goal lead against Croatia last night.
With five regulars just one caution shy of a ban, there’s no surprise that Antonio Conte has made numerous alterations to his XI for the clash against the Republic of Ireland.
Martin O’Neill’s men are hoping to upset the odds and register a shock win to seal a place in the next stage, though they are clearly up against it here – the Italians have racked up back-to-back shut-outs and allowed their opponents just six shots inside the box, whilst Ireland have managed a mere four attempts on target.
Belgium and Sweden square up in the other fixture.
Marc Wilmots’ men bounced back from their opening loss to Italy with a resounding 3-0 win over Ireland and need only a draw to seal second place. Such a scenario would see them face the winners of Group F, Hungary, in the next round.
Given that the Swedes have yet to register a single attempt on target, The Red Devils look strong favourites to clinch a spot in the knockouts and send Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co. home early.
