Having won their respective qualifying games at the weekend, Italy and Republic of Ireland enter this match in great spirits, so we can expect a very interesting match in Liege.

Talented manager Cesare Prandelli is doing a very good job on Italy bench, with the Azzurri’s recent performances reminding everyone of the old glory days.

Italy have taken a giant step towards the Euro 2012 by beating Estonia 3:0 at the weekend as the Azzurri are now five points clear of second-placed Slovenia and have a game in hand.

The game against Republic of Ireland will serve as another test against a top European side and nobody would be surprised if Prandelli’s men pass it with flying colours. Italy are 1.91 (10/11) to win the game.

Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna has been drafted to the squad after Alberto Aquilani pulled out through injury and he could play some part in this match, just like few other back-up players.

Republic or Ireland currently lead the three way race with Russia and Slovakia in Group B, which is definitely the most interesting group of the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s side continued the rich vein of form by winning 2:0 at a difficult ground in Macedonia, so there is no doubt the players are brimming with confidence before the Italy game.

Republic of Ireland have won three straight games in all competitions, without conceding a single goal and they are now 4.00 (3/1) to keep a clean sheet against Italy as well.

Robbie Keane, Shay Given, Keith Fahey, John O’Shea and Kevin Kilbane have been excused from the squad, so we should see some new faces in the starting line-up.