Euro 2012 Opta Stats: Italy's Irish curse may cause chaos

Italy have won just one of their last five meetings against Ireland (L2 D2)
Eliminated Ireland have offered nothing in their first two games to suggest that they are capable of sabotaging Italy's campaign, however three of the aforementioned clashes occurred under Giovanni Trapattoni. Opta note that the Boys in Green won the last time the pair met at a major tournament, while Italy are winless in six at the European Championship and World Cup, the longest such streak in their history. Their rumoured plan to make several personnel changes for this fixture, and possibly switch formation too, also threatens to backfire, given that they haven't actually been playing badly despite drawing twice.

Italy have won just one of their last five Euro games in which they scored the first goal of the match
One of the main reasons why Italy are heading into their final Group C tie in danger of an early exit is their inability to hold a lead, leaking within four minutes of firing past Spain and rueing the absence of a second during a dominant first half against Croatia. Though Republic of Ireland have been poor, they have responded to going behind early in both games, equalising against Croatia and holding off Spain for 45 minutes before their second, so a second Italy strike will likely be required.

Republic of Ireland have lost each of their last three European Championship games, conceding eight goals in the process
This serves as a reminder that, even if the unthinkable does happen and Ireland take Italy out, it is almost certain to be with a draw rather than a defeat. Italy remain unbeaten in competitive action under Cesare Prandelli, while Ireland are without a win in four European Championship matches.

Recommended Bets:
Lay Italy to win @ 1.341/3
Back Republic of Ireland to be last team to score @ 5.04/1
Back the draw @ 6.05/1

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