Italy vs. Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 Preview, Prediction, Live Stream, Schedule As Italy Looks to Secure 1st Place in Group E

Created by Francisco Salazar Jun 20 2016, 16:30 PM EDT

Italy will take on the Republic of Ireland in its final group game of the Euro 2016 on Wednesday.

Italy was the first team to clinch the top spot in its group after taking down Sweden 1-0 in the dying minutes of its second group game. The Italians have solidified themselves as a stalwart defensive side, though there offense was lacking in the second game. The first game against Belgium saw some exquisite finishing, but the second one saw Italy's offense taking a few steps back.

Ireland's Passage to Round of 16 is Complicated

The Irish will be look for a big game as they currently sit last in Group E after a 3-0 loss against Belgium on Saturday. Despite the loss, the team can still potentially qualify for a spot in the next round if a few things go its way.

Ireland needs to defeat Italy by as many goals as possible. That would give the team four points. Then it needs a draw in the game between Belgium and Sweden to secure a third place in the group. But even then the team simply needs some help from other groups as it would still potentially finish outside of the top four third place teams if the current four wind up winning their remaining games.

It is a tall order but the team simply needs to play its best game, win and hope for the best thereafter.

Player to Watch

Italy has not really had a true standout player thus far, but Eder did work some magic on the winner over Sweden. Look for more of that from the clinical finisher in the final group game if he starts.