No reason to fear Italy – Walters

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Published on 15/06/2012 12:18

Ireland will have to pick themselves off the floor after the disappointment of going out of Euro 2012 against Spain when they go up against Italy on Monday night in Poznan, kick off is at 7.45pm.

The reigning champions were simply too strong for a gallant Irish side and ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in Gdansk on Thursday night

The boys in green will head home regardless of what happens against the Azzurri but they will be eager to give the Irish fans something to cheer about before heading home after a disappointing tournament.

Despite coming in to the Championships under a match fixing cloud, Italy began Euro 2012 in impressive fashion, holding favourites Spain to a 1 – 1 draw in Gdansk. After another 1-1 draw with Croatia, Prandelli’s men need victory against the Irish for any hope of reaching the Quarter Finals.

Speaking ahead of the game, Jonathan Walters, Stephen Kelly and Glenn Whelan all point to Ireland’s recent good form against the Azzurri as a reason for confidence going into the last Group C game.

Trap’s men beat Italy 2 – 0 in a friendly last year and held them to a draw in both qualifying matches for World Cup 2010.

Ireland’s 73 year old coach had a hugely successful career managing in Serie A and was in charge of the Azzurri from 2000 to 2004

Ireland can also draw on one of the most famous victories in the nation’s soccer history, the 1994 World Cup win courtesy of Ray Houghton as a reason to look forward to playing the Italians.

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No reason to fear Italy – Walters

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