Italy v Ireland: Thomas Giles’ betting tip

The Italians have already won the group after securing six points from their opening two games and it has already been confirmed that they will play Mediterranean rivals Spain in the first knockout round. Because of this confirmation of top spot in Group E, manager Antonio Conte has said that he will rotate his squad for the match against Ireland – music to the ears of the Irish.

Martin O’Neill’s Ireland side must secure victory in this match against Italy to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16 and even then they are relying on either a Belgium win or draw in the other match in Group E. With this in mind, Ireland will need to take the game to their opponents more than they did in their other two group games.

Italy would usually be strong favourites for this match but it seems the bookies have read a lot into Conte’s changes and the fact that Ireland have to go for the win by pricing and Italian victory at 7/5. Despite this I would still back Conte’s side to come out on top. They will want to ensure they have good momentum going into the match against Spain whilst a second string Italy lineup should still dispose of a first choice Irish one. That 7/5 price is too good to turn down.

All of our EURO 2016 tips can be found here.