Recent entries in World Cup 2010
Ireland v Italy World Cup qualifier match
Daniel McDonnell / 07 October 2009 Free Bet View Market
Robbie Keane in training on Wednesday
"I think the Italians always start off with a draw in mind and then see how the match develops" (Liam Brady)
The players and management appear to be buoyed by the clash between the sides in Bari last April where the Azzurri were holding on in the final minutes of the 1-1 draw. Although it doesn't quite tell the full story considering they spent the majority of that game with ten men after an early sending off.
However, even with the full complement, Marcello Lippi's men have shown vulnerability in this group. Like in Georgia last month where they were blessed to escape with a 2-0 victory. Both goals came from Georgian centre half Kakha Kaladze and the man of the match was Italian goalkeeper GIanluigi Buffon.
Alas, they bounced back from that to defeat Bulgaria comfortably in Turin four days later with a power packed display which, effectively, put one leg in next summer's World Cup finals. Rather than looking tired and lethargic as they had previously, the Italians were vibrant and creative.
Will they bring that approach to Dublin this week? That's the big question. Needing only a point to qualify, there's a danger they will revert to old habits.
"I think the Italians always start off with a draw in mind and then see how the match develops," said Irish assistant Liam Brady today, who knows the Italian mindset well having spent a portion of his career there.
Brady is happy that the opposition will be without centre half Fabio Cannavaro although he has worries of his own with Richard Dunne sitting out training today with a minor ankle problem. The Aston Villa man should be fine for Saturday - and his contribution should be key in a game that will be heavily concentrated on defence. Even now, the odds about a draw look attractive.
Current Odds: Ireland [3.75], Italy [2.48], Draw [2.96]
