Ireland V Italy predictions and buildup

**richieos** · 06/10/2009, 11:39 PM

Getting very excited now.
I think there are a few ways in which this match could go.
Ireland always seem to start the game flying out of the blocks, and have done for years, and we tend to be very impressive and full of bite at 0-0.
I can see this giving us the lead in the match.
However if we score early, we'll put our heads down as usual and probably draw 1-1 or lose 2-1.
What im hoping for, is for us to be pushing at and biting at italy, but for them to hold on for a bit, and maybe a 67th minute goal ala jason mcateer
I think thats the only way were gonna win, otherwise id probably go with a draw

SO time to be positive and il go with a 1-0 win to ireland, robbie mid second half

**irishfan86** · 06/10/2009, 11:41 PM

I'll take 1-0 Ireland, with McGeady getting his first goal for the boys in green.

**MeathDrog** · 06/10/2009, 11:50 PM

Has a draw written all over it. 1-1, with the Italians scoring first, and Doyle equalising for us.

**shaneker** · 07/10/2009, 6:12 AM

Definitely a draw, and a 0-0 at that. Will be like the Germany game a few years back in Croker I reckon, with the difference that both teams will be happy with this result. Wouldn't put it past us to nick it though - can't really see the Italians being that bothered knowing they have a home game with Cyprus in hand. I'd take a draw now.

Advance notice - I will not argue with anyone who says 'I won't be happy with a draw, we should be beating Italy at home, old team, home advantage, past their best' etc etc because anyone who says this is an idiot.

**Sligo Hornet** · 07/10/2009, 7:09 AM

I have a feeling it'll be a victorious night....2-1 with McGeady (finally hitting the net!) and a peno from Robbie!!

**shaneker** · 07/10/2009, 7:49 AM

Originally Posted by Sligo Hornet

I have a feeling it'll be a victorious night....2-1 with McGeady (finally hitting the net!) and a peno from Robbie!!

Certainly would be a great night! I don't think anyone would be particularly looking forward to coming to Dublin in the play-offs anyway, but a win over the world champions would make the seeded teams take notice alright.

I would bite your hand off for a draw, but I agree we should go for it - just getting beaten would make Wednesday so nervy...

**Murfinator** · 07/10/2009, 8:08 AM

Could see Italy getting the better of us, they were spectacular last month and the loss of the one player we have who can actually hold on to possession will hurt us big time.

2-0 Italy

**Fester** · 07/10/2009, 8:43 AM

1 v 1 with the Italians scoring first......

**Stuttgart88** · 07/10/2009, 8:59 AM

1-0 Italy.

It would be Ireland if we secured a play off spot a game early and without a few days of totally sh1tting ourselves.

Can someone please remind me who's on a yellow going into the Monty game?

**irishfan86** · 07/10/2009, 9:36 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Can someone please remind me who's on a yellow going into the Monty game?

McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, McShane, and Given:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/prelimi...tatistics.html

**eaststand85** · 07/10/2009, 9:37 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

1-0 Italy.

It would be Ireland if we secured a play off spot a game early and without a few days of totally sh1tting ourselves.

Can someone please remind me who's on a yellow going into the Monty game?

According to a post in another thread (http://foot.ie/forums/showthread.php?t=125528)

McGeady (Cyprus H)
Given (Cyprus H)
Andrews (Georgia H)
McShane (Italy A)
Whelan (Bulgaria A)
Folan (Cyprus A)

**irishfan86** · 07/10/2009, 9:40 AM

Yeah, I didn't mention Folan because he's not going to be involved in these games.

It's not beyond possibility that both Whelan and Andrews could pick up a yellow and we'd be left with Rowlands and Miller in the centre of midfield for our game against Montenegro....

**shaneker** · 07/10/2009, 9:43 AM

Originally Posted by irishfan86

Yeah, I didn't mention Folan because he's not going to be involved in these games.

It's not beyond possibility that both Whelan and Andrews could pick up a yellow and we'd be left with Rowlands and Miller in the centre of midfield for our game against Montenegro....

I would have slept so much easier for the next week if you had never mentioned that. Thanks a lot - I work early mornings

**irishfan86** · 07/10/2009, 9:45 AM

Originally Posted by shaneker

I would have slept so much easier for the next week if you had never mentioned that. Thanks a lot - I work early mornings

It's nearly 3AM here and I'm about to go to bed...I think I'll be having nightmares as well.

Although if Miller is on form, it should be a cakewalk for us! It just depends what guy shows up for work that day.

**DeLorean** · 07/10/2009, 9:46 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

1-0 Italy.

It wouldn't be Ireland if we secured a play off spot a game early and without a few days of totally sh1tting ourselves

I don't think Bulgaria will win in Cyprus so that will ease the nerves in a big way.

Rep Ireland 1-0 Italy

Just a feeling and I'm not going to let my brain overrule.

**Noelys Guitar** · 07/10/2009, 10:47 AM

Ireland v Italy at Landsdowne very early 70's was the first Ireland game I went to. Italy won 2-1. Dunphy was playing (woefully). I fancy us to reverse the scoreline of that day. 2-1 Ireland.

**seanfhear** · 07/10/2009, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by irishfan86

Yeah, I didn't mention Folan because he's not going to be involved in these games.

It's not beyond possibility that both Whelan and Andrews could pick up a yellow and we'd be left with Rowlands and Miller in the centre of midfield for our game against Montenegro....

Maybe ? thats why Martin Rowlands has been called up for this squad. Are our management team this astute.

Miller as one of two defensive midfielders would frighten the life out of me.