The rumours in the days leading up tonight's match were that Martin O'Neill would ring the changes for tonight's crucial game.
And that is exactly what the Ireland manager has done.
O'Neill has made four changes from the team which lost to Belgium. In come Shane Duffy, Richard Keogh, James McClean and Daryl Murphy in place of John O'Shea, Ciaran Clark, Glenn Whelan and Wes Hoolahan.
With John O'Shea omitted, Seamus Coleman will captain the side.
Here's the XI which will start against Italy this evening.
BREAKING: Martin O'Neill has named his starting team to face Italy! #COYBIG #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/Ng1HFzXUpm
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) June 22, 2016
James McCarthy being retained and Glenn Whelan being dropped is a major surprise. McCarthy has not played well in this tournament - and has not looked fit. That win against Germany at Lansdowne Road, where McCarthy played so well in the 'Whelan role', must have played a major part in the Ireland manager's team selection.
John O'Shea being dropped is something which was rumoured during the week with the Irish Sun first breaking the news.
Antonio Conte has made eight changes to the Italy side which beat Sweden on Friday.
