After Tuesday night’s result, we reckon Italy would play their kit man against the Republic of Ireland if they could.
Antonio Conte has said since the Azzurri’s victory over Sweden last Friday that he will rest players for the game against Ireland. Regardless of the result of the match in Lille – and Belgium’s game against Sweden – Italy will top the group.
However, it looks as though finishing second in Group E is more beneficial.
Croatia beat Spain 2-1 on Tuesday night, topping Group D and consigning the European champions to second in the group, and a game against Italy in Lyon on Monday.
While Belgium, who look set to finish second in Group E, will play the winner of Group F – containing Hungary, Portugal, Iceland and Austria – on Sunday.
Italy and Spain will also be in the more difficult side of the draw, containing France, England and Germany.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic means Northern Ireland are safely through to the next round. Michael O’Neill’s side will play either Wales on Saturday, or France on Sunday.
Italy may not be able to avoid playing Spain, but they can avoid needless injuries and bookings against Ireland, so Conte may be even more inclined to empty his bench for the game in Lille.
