Italy V Ireland

A  heart stopping match for fans of both side- more for the Azzurri though, before a kick was even taken, I couldn't help thinking about Euro 2004 where they got knocked out in the last match because off the same scenario, all I have to say for sure is that Italians do have a flair for the dramatic! Yet it would've gone all wrong very early as the ball was taken off Andrea Pirlo and the Irish were almost up within the opening 9 seconds!!!
Pirlo had a rather nervy start, and maybe this should be a warning to Juventus- he can't be asked to play twice a week, Italy were lucky this time but it just give you something to think about. It was a tense game, Ireland were playing their best game since that thumping by the Spaniards and Italy were having difficulties penetrating the Irish, and when they did get shots on goal, it was either straight at Shay Given or off target. There was more pressure on the boys in blue because they HAD to score in order to qualify for the next round, and as we know from past games, goals are far a few between for the Azzurri.

Italy had over 60% possession but that meant little at this stage, the thing that did come as a real surprise is that Italy had to wait until the 35th minute to get a goal and it was from a free kick and Antonio Cassano got the vital touch. Cassano worked his socks of, popping up everywhere and chasing down every ball- the Milan man was in the form of his life!
In the 75th minute Mario Balotelli came on for a slightly disappointing Antonio Di Natale, he had some half chances and some really good chances but just didn't have the edge to make them count. Throughout the entire game, Italy had 26 shots with 7 on goal and 5 were good enough to force some goods saves. Yet it was the goal by Balotelli in the 90th minute that allowed me to relax! And even though "SuperMario" scored we were all made to wait until Spain finished their game a couple minutes later.... and it seemed an eternity before everyone was allowed to celebrate.
Italy go through as runners up in group C, but they do still have a bit to work on if they want to go further in this tournament.

FORZA AZZURRI!!!