A lot has been made about the playing surface in Lille as Ireland are set for a make or break clash with Italy in Group E of Euro 2016, as the surface has deteriorated to the point where managers are vocal regarding their disappointment.
We heard from Italy boss Antonio Conte today, but he's not the first manager to hit out.
Deschamps moaned about the Lille pitch last night. "It's only the group stage and already looks like that."
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 20, 2016
Antonio Conte highly critical of pitch in Lille saying it isn't up to hosting a European match. @RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/VXrOfo9O3N
— Adrian Eames (@AdrianEames1) June 21, 2016
The surface will be re-laid on Friday, but many are asking why a stadium that has a retractable roof has seen it's pitch damaged by rain.
One man who is not likely to complain is Martin O'Neill, as a slightly more bog-like terrain is likely to suit Ireland far more than the Italians, but he still took a trip to inspect the playing surface ahead of Wednesday game.
And it does not look good.
It does look a bit "Sunday League", which will be far more accommodating to Darren Randolph possibly trying to pick out Daryl Murphy with a bit of snow on the ball than it will to Italy's pacy wingers and strikers.
We'll take every advantage we can get, as anything other than a win will result in an early departure for the boys in green.
