Ireland U21 take on Italy in Tallaght Stadium in a crunch Euro 2023 qualifier this Friday. Jim Crawford's men had a good start to their qualifying campaign, but a loss away in Montenegro has made this and their next game against Sweden vital if they want to get through. Additions have been made to bolster the squad ahead the Italian's visit. This match is on the TV as well so here's how to watch Ireland U21s vs Italy.
How to watch Ireland U21s vs Italy
The match is on Friday, November 12th with kick off at 5:30pm.
The match will be live on RTÉ 2 with coverage from 5pm.
Match Preview
Jim Crawford's men come into this match sitting in 4th place in their qualifying group. They sit behind Montenegro, Sweden and their opponents Italy. On the bright side Ireland have games in hand on Sweden and Montenegro, so they are realistic that they can jump ahead of them in the group. However they still need to win those games in hand for that to happen.
Crawford has added attacking talent to the squad in the form of Armstrong Oko-Flex. The West Ham forward has been on fire for the Hammers U23 side this season and could get his first chance to impress at this level. Southampton's Will Smallbone has also returned to the squad in midfield after returning from injury.
Derby fullback Festy Ebosele is also in the squad. Ebosele has been in fine form for Wayne Rooney's side this season and picked up a goal last weekend against Milwall. Hopefully he can add some attacking flair down the right flank on Friday.
Great work from Sam Baldock and Tom Lawrence to put it on a plate for Festy Ebosele...
And 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 a moment for the youngster! 🤩#DCFC pic.twitter.com/VfSBwOroia— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) November 7, 2021
Italy are unbeaten so far in Euro qualifying, with 1-1 draw against Sweden their only points dropped so far. One of the main stars of the team has to be midfielder Nicolo Ravella. The youngster is on loan at Genoa from Juventus and has impressed so far in the Serie A this season. The 19 year old has made 12 appearance and notched up three assists.
Compared to the Ireland squad there isn't that much experience in the Italian squad. Most players have less than a handful of caps at this level while the Ireland squad has been fairly similar for quite a while now. The players are used to each other and are used to playing nice attacking football.
Ireland could really use with a win and one against the Italians will really boost their qualification hopes.
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