The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the Republic of Ireland Under-21s take on Italy U21 in their final Euro 2025 qualifier.
The match, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste, Italy, promises to be an electrifying clash between two teams vying for a spot in the European Championship finals.
A win against the group leaders would see the U-21s top the group and become the first Irish side to qualify for the finals, held in Slovakia next summer.
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When is Ireland U21 v Italy?
Ireland U21s v Italy is set to take place on Tuesday at Stadio Nereo Rocco, Trieste, Italy. Kick-off is at 5.30 pm
How to watch?
The match will be live on RTÉ2, with coverage beginning at 5pm.
Team News:
Ireland U21s Head Coach Jim Crawford has issued a rallying cry to his players, urging them to leave everything on the pitch as they face off against Italy in a crucial showdown.
A triumphant outcome in this final Euro 2025 qualifier would be a historic milestone, securing top spot in the group and a spot in the Slovakian finals next summer.
Ahead of today's training session at Triestina's Stadio Nereo Rocco, Crawford confirmed that his squad is injury-free and ready to take on the challenge.
Crawford emphasized the importance of the match, stating,
These are the games you want to play in. It's a game that if you win, you win the group. If you were given this opportunity when the draw was made, you would have said 'no problem.
He praised the players for their resilience and readiness, saying,
It is a credit to the group of players that we are in this position. We have said it since the end of the last game, we have absolutely nothing to fear.
Crawford encouraged his team to give their all:
Let's go and empty the tank, if it's only 45 minutes for someone, we'll make a change, 60 minutes for someone else, give us everything and we'll make a change.
He also noted that the team has moved past the disappointment of Friday's match against Norway, adding,
The players are mature enough to understand these things happen. They are prepared and focused for Italy. You get a feel for the group, they all understand it's just, let's just get on with it and concentrate on the next challenge which is the group leaders tomorrow.
Ireland v Italy U21s permutations
The group winners will qualify automatically, with the runners-up securing a play-off spot for next summer's European Championships.
As things stand, Ireland sit three points behind Italy in the table and two points ahead of Norway.
If Ireland win in Trieste, they will qualify automatically for next year's championships - the chief tiebreaker is head-to-head, and the fixture in Cork finished in a 2-2 draw.
Should the game finish in a draw, Ireland will have to wait anxiously for the result from Norway's game with Turkey. If Ireland and Norway finish tied on points, the Norwegians will secure a play-off by virtue of their superior head-to-head record.
