Moving onto Group E, Italy face Sweden in the Friday
early kick-off and a day later, Belgium pit their wits against Republic of
Ireland.
Italy
v Sweden – Friday, 2pm
The Italians caused a bit of a stir on Monday night
after they comfortably swept aside a talented Belgium outfit. Highly unfavoured
coming into the tournament, they showed solidity, class and were ruthless up
top. A fantastic ball out from defence opened up the Belgium back line and
provided Emanuele Giaccherini with a one-on-one opportunity which he smartly
tucked away. After that, Italy never looked like losing. Their pragmatic,
organised game plan worked to a tee. Maybe this team could be a potential dark
horse.
This should be a different kind of contest for them,
though. Sweden prefers to sit back and pick their moments. With that in mind,
Italy will have to play with purpose and intent and with a slightly more
attacking approach. Their superiority in midfield may be vital to this game,
the Swedish middle of the park barely compares. At the back the three Italian
centre-half’s know all about their opponent’s lavish superstar striker, Zlatan
Ibrahimovic. They can afford to use one of them as a man-marker to limit the
impact of the three-time Serie A player of the year winner.
Four Italian players are a booking away from a
suspension so they will have to be careful. Graziano Pelle is believed to be
struggling with an injury, which could result in a start for silky forward,
Lorenzo Insigne. Matteo Darmian and Marco Parolo might be replaced by Mattia De
Sciglio and the versatile Alessandro Florenzi in the line-up.
There is no question that; Sweden has to be better
than they were against Republic of Ireland. For the majority of the game they
had very little composure on the ball and failed to put any real pressure on
their opponent. Erik Hamren’s side were fortunate that their first enterprising
move of the game resulted in an own-goal, which levelled up the contest. They
did grow into the match mid-way through the second half, but they need to turn
up from the onset in this one. Ireland had several chances, particularly in the
first-half – that cannot happen again.
Against Italy they have to provide Zlatan with
greater service than they did, he is the only man capable of hurting the
concrete Italian defence. Extra legs in midfield wouldn’t go amiss either.
Set-pieces is yet another area that has to improve, in a game like this their
opportunities may be limited. The coach is forced into one change, with
right-back Mikael Lustig ruled out with a groin problem.
Italy can ill-afford to be complacent because of
their wonderful victory the other day, and with the demanding Antonio Conte at
the helm that is unlikely. It is hard to see Sweden being able to combat the
Azzuri midfield; they just have too much for this team. Expect Italy to dictate
for large spells and push an unconvincing Swedish defence backwards. The
Scandinavians just don’t seem to have enough to trouble this well-drilled team.
Even with Zlatan it is hard to see anything other than a straight-forward,
convincing win for the Italians.
Prediction:
Italy to win 2-0
Belgium
v Republic of Ireland – Saturday, 2pm
Well, what you can really say about Belgium’s
performance against Italy. They were slow, languid and gutless and had no real
idea in the final-third. Frankly, they were second best in every single department.
Their formation, tactics and attitude has to change if they are to do anything
in this tournament. This Belgium team is ranked second in the FIFA world
rankings – now is the time to prove themselves on the big stage. They have to
show that the tag of being the so-called “Golden Generation” is not getting the
better of them.
Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne didn’t look a patch
on the player everyone knows he is capable of being; he needs to get his foot
on the ball and play with more composure in the opponents half. Belgium’s
central midfielders will be in for a battle, notorious hard man, Radja Nainggolan, has to stamp
some authority on the game. The pace of
Divock Origi would be a useful asset up front, against a slow, heavy-footed
Irish centre-back pairing. Although as Marc Wilmots trusts his players, an
unchanged line-up is to be expected.
Ireland may be lacking the skill and talent that
Belgium has all over the pitch, but they do have a strong camaraderie and
plenty of passion. They also have the belief that they can give anyone a game
on their day. The Republic was excellent against Sweden and if it wasn’t for a
brief lapse in concentration and a wretched own-goal, they would be sitting
pretty right now. Martin O’Neil’s men controlled the entire first half and
large portions of the second period, but they failed to kill Sweden off. The
Irish players will head into this game with the memories of that superb win
over Germany less than a year ago, which will give them confidence.
Tireless striker Shane Long will have a big job. He
could spend a lot of the game isolated up front, so it is imperative that he
can hold the ball up and allow his team-mates to get up the field and support
him. The centre midfield trio of James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan and Jeff Hendrick
will have a huge role to play. The latter made some fantastic bursting runs
against Sweden; he was unfortunate not to get on the score sheet. The game of
their lives is required from centre-back’s John O’Shea and Ciaran Clark. Following
an encouraging showing in the first game there is no need to make changes.
However, the coaching staff is sweating on the fitness of the exuberant
forward, Jon Walters.
The outcome of this match largely depends on what
Belgium side turns up. Ireland are going to go out there with a tough, gritty,
organised approach and hope to profit on whatever chances they may get. Since
the Italy and Sweden game is the previous day, the Belgians could go into this
match facing elimination – if that is the case, expect them to take the game to
Ireland. A cagey, slightly nervy start would not be a surprise. Belgium may
just have the edge in this encounter, though.
Prediction:
Belgium to win 1-0
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