Albania will be praying that Ireland don't upset the odds against Italy on Wednesday night.
The Eagles' 1-0 victory over Romania on Sunday may have been enough to secure their passage into Euro 2016's knockout stages as one of the best third place teams... or rather as
not one of the bottom two third place teams in the group stages.
After losing their opening two matches against Switzerland and France respectively, the three points they earned against Romania has seen them shoot into one of the qualifying places for the second round. However, should Ireland defeat Italy on Wednesday night, the Boys In Green will leapfrog Albania and likely secure safe passage into the round of 16.
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Albania coach Giovanni De Biasi is fully aware that should his birthland's team do a job on the Irish, it would go a long way to keeping them in the competition for at least one more match. Speaking at a press conference in France today, De Biasi joked that he would be tempted to reach out to Antonio Conte to ensure that the Azzurri take this game seriously.
"A phone call to Conte to help my Albania? Give me the number I call him right away."
"These three points may also be enough to be able to move into the second phase. Whatever happens has been a great European, with three very good performance. Ironically, yesterday we had fewer opportunities than the other two games, where we paid a little 'pressure around us.' Last night, we got rid of some of this weight. We have the ability to know our limits, that is our greatest strength in this competition."
Well, the feeling's mutual, De Biasi. Nothing personal, but we sincerely hope Italy knock Albania out by losing to Ireland.
