Ireland V Italy predictions and buildup

**Razors left peg** · 07/10/2009, 3:26 PM

Originally Posted by DeLorean

I must admit, I wouldn't be too scared of life without Whelan.

well when the alternative in the squad at the moment is Miller Id be very scared

**soccerboy** · 07/10/2009, 3:28 PM

ireland 1-0....either dunne or keane to score,who else sure!!

**DeLorean** · 07/10/2009, 3:30 PM

Originally Posted by Razors left peg

well when the alternative in the squad at the moment is Miller Id be very scared

Believe it or not I considered that before posting my comment.

**Razors left peg** · 07/10/2009, 3:43 PM

Originally Posted by DeLorean

Believe it or not I considered that before posting my comment.

Id have a lad that has played consistantly in the Premiership this season and last ahead of a lad that took 4 months to find a club... although admitidly his form does seem to be good by all accounts since he has found one.
Still though, I think Whelan was excellent against Italy last time and he deserves his place in the team at the moment

**DeLorean** · 07/10/2009, 3:49 PM

Originally Posted by Razors left peg

Id have a lad that has played consistantly in the Premiership this season and last ahead of a lad that took 4 months to find a club... although admitidly his form does seem to be good by all accounts since he has found one.
Still though, I think Whelan was excellent against Italy last time and he deserves his place in the team at the moment

Don't rate him at all so far, for club or country. That Italy match was a midfielders dream* the way they retreated and didn't pressure the ball, but credit where it's due, it was his best match for us. I'm not saying I'd have Miller ahead of him, I just wouldn't care if he was suspended.

*PS: When I say a midfielders dream, I mean a midfielder like Whelan or Gibson who look scared to get a hold of the ball, obviously it would be a more creative midfielders nightmare. Gibson also looked useful when he came on that night I thought.

**weldoninhio** · 07/10/2009, 6:25 PM

3-0 Italy, with 11 men.

**noddy102** · 07/10/2009, 7:02 PM

Originally Posted by weldoninhio

3-0 Italy, with 11 men.

Ah but we had Paul McShane... which was effectively playing with 10 men too.

**Razors left peg** · 07/10/2009, 7:19 PM

Originally Posted by weldoninhio

3-0 Italy, with 11 men.

when is the last time we lost a compeditive home game by that score?

**M@ttitude** · 07/10/2009, 8:46 PM

Australia, but a friendly... I reckon this will be another game of chess, I expect Trap to play very direct if Italy go ahead, like last time.. Thats why I was very surprised that Andy Reid wasn't included in the squad. A last ten minute bombardment of their box supplied by Reid might be necessary! Instead of hoofed balls by Dunne.

**SkStu** · 07/10/2009, 9:06 PM

put their 22 by our 22 (?) and it should be 3-0, easy.

Football is a funny ol game and if Italy come here not properly focussed they might be in for a rude awakening....

all that said, ill go with 1-1 (a safe bet for an Irish game -

)

**Mr Maroon** · 07/10/2009, 9:13 PM

Expected Italy line up according to this arcticle:

Buffon

Zambrotta Legrottaglie Chiellini Grosso

De Rossi Palombo

Camoranesi Pirlo Iaquinta

Gilardino

**Crosby87** · 07/10/2009, 11:09 PM

De Rossi. Oy. Bombs away.

**Colbert Report** · 08/10/2009, 12:37 AM

4-0 Italy. I think we're due for a hiding. I still see us getting into the play off no problem after a win at home to Montenegro.

**hunt4the** · 08/10/2009, 3:22 PM

all this optimism is a joy to behold....

I reckon bulgaria to beat cyprus, Italy then to beat us 1-0,
nerves get the better of us and we go and lose at home too monty on wednesday, thereby finishing 3rd in the group and left with nothing but a horrible taste in our mouths!!

Worst case scenario I know but someone had to bring this thread down to earth

**SUB of the day** · 08/10/2009, 4:14 PM

Italy to coast home 2 nil.

**Mr Maroon** · 08/10/2009, 4:18 PM

Claudio Marchisio is out injured.

**Splurge** · 08/10/2009, 5:00 PM

Anyone know if you can pay at the gates going in? I want to see this one but cant go to the game the following wednesday, can you buy tickets seperate?

**Razors left peg** · 08/10/2009, 6:11 PM

Originally Posted by Splurge

Anyone know if you can pay at the gates going in? I want to see this one but cant go to the game the following wednesday, can you buy tickets seperate?

not a chance of them taking cash at the gate but there would probably be a few tickets floating around up there

**SuperDave** · 08/10/2009, 8:14 PM

Originally Posted by hunt4the

all this optimism is a joy to behold....

I reckon bulgaria to beat cyprus, Italy then to beat us 1-0,
nerves get the better of us and we go and lose at home too monty on wednesday, thereby finishing 3rd in the group and left with nothing but a horrible taste in our mouths!!

Worst case scenario I know but someone had to bring this thread down to earth

I fear a situation like that, where we play well against Italy and are unlucky to lose, with us getting a goal against montenegro early enough and then sitting back deeper and deeper and maybe conceding, maybe not..... God I hope I'm not right.... I just want Cyprus to do us a favour on Saturday.