Italy v Rep of Ireland preview - Pride at stake as Irish hope to halt Italy challenge

Kevin Doyle has been restored to the starting line up after missing out against Spain

Teams

Shay Given keeps his place in goal, despite an indifferent tournament, while John O'Shea, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward and Richard Dunne complete the back four.

As ever, Duff and Aiden McGeady will operate the flanks in midfield, with Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan in the centre.

Up front, Doyle reignites his partnership with Keane, who has this week reiterated his desire to continue with his international career after the Euros.

Meanwhile, a knee problem could force Mario Balotelli to miss out, with Udinese forward Antonio Di Natale waiting in line should the Manchester City striker fail to recover in time.

Boss Cesare Prandelli will be hoping for an improvement from his side, with successive 1-1 draws against Spain and Croatia leaving the Italians third in Group C.

Nothing less than a win will do, but the Azzurri may be forced to pile the pressure on the Republic, as goal difference could yet play its part should Croatia and Spain draw in the group's simultaneous fixture.

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