Having missed a great chance to beat Croatia in their second group game, Italy can now get eliminated even if they beat Ireland.

The Irish have nothing to play for but pride after losing their first two games, but they will at least attempt to make life difficult for the Azzurri.

Despite all their problems and predictions that they would flop at the Euro 2012, Italy enjoyed a bright start to the tournament and narrowly missed out on a victory over reigning champions Spain.

The Azzurri looked even better in their second group game, having largely outplayed very good Croatia side, but they conceded a late goal and had to settle for one point in the end.

That was a bitter blow for Cesare Prandelli’s side, who now depend on other results, and everybody at the camp is hoping the scenario from Euro 2004 will not be repeated.

The Azzurri were then eliminated when Denmark and Sweden played out a 2-2 draw, which was the only result that would take both teams through, and the situation is exactly the same this time.

Nonetheless, Italy will try to keep their part of the bargain and record a comfortable win over Ireland, with home win paying 1.33 (3/9) at Bodog.

With Andrea Barzagli back from injury, Cesare Prandelli is set to revert to 4-3-1-2 formation, and the good news is Mario Balotelli is available after recovering from a knee problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Buffon – Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Balzaretti- De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio – Motta- Di Natale, Cassano.

Following some impressive showings in the Euro 2012 qualifiers and a 14-match unbeaten run, Republic of Ireland were tipped to spring one or two surprises in Group C, but they have failed to do so.

While the Irish were somewhat unlucky to lose their opening game to Croatia, they could do nothing to avoid a heavy defeat to Spain and are now effectively out of the tournament.

All that’s left is for boss Giovanni Trapattoni is to try and prove everyone his side deserve to play at the highest level and for that to happen they will need a respectable result against Italy.

Goalkeeper Shay Given has announced that he plans to retire from international football after the Italy game, meaning that Damien Duff will captain the side on his 100th appearance for the national team.

Boss Trapattoni is unlikely to make big changes to the starting line-up despite the 4-0 defeat to Spain, with only Kevin Doyle expected to come in for Simon Cox.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Given – O’Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward – Duff, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady – Keane, Doyle.