Italy vs Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 Soccer Betting Lines

As we head into the final round of games in Group E, there are a still a few questions that need to be answered. What we do know is that Italy have already booked their ticket into the knockout round, but the other 3 spots are still pretty much wide open. The game between Belgium and Sweden is sure to be a good one, and the Republic of Ireland know that they can help their own cause in a big way if they can somehow find a way to beat Italy like they did back in the 1994 World Cup Finals. At the moment, the Irish look like being the odd man out, as they only have a single point, and their 3-0 loss at the hands of Belgium has them in a rather sticky spot in regards goal difference. Let’s not forget, though, that four 3 rd place finishers will be moving on, and it may just be that 4 points for Ireland would be enough to get them a place in the next round, regardless of their goal difference. That said, I believe the betting odds will show the Italians as clear favorites here.

Taking a Closer Look at the Italy vs Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 Soccer Betting Lines & Game Info

The last training session before tomorrow’s clash with #ITA has taken place. Next stop, Lille! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/JTZk3mAcsv

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) June 21, 2016

When: Wednesday, June 22 at 3 PM ESTWhere: Stade Pierre Mauroy, LilleTV: ESPNRadio: TSNLive Stream: SonyLivEuro 2016 Odds: PK

Why bet on Italy?

The general consensus heading into this tournament was that this was one of the weakest Italian sides in recent memory. The biggest issue for them is the lack of a genuine goal scoring threat up front, but do you really need that when you have a defensive wall that is made of impenetrable steel? It was the defense that got Italy to the Euros in the first place, and they have been just as dominating in the tournament proper. They frustrated Belgium in the opening game, hitting them on the break twice to win 2-0. They did the same thing against Sweden, scoring late to pick up the 1-0 win. They will play pay the same style against the Irish, and may even open up a little more knowing that they are already through to the next round.

Why place a bet on the Republic of Ireland?

Things could have been a little different for the Republic of Ireland if they could have just held on to the 1-0 lead they had over Sweden in the opening game. That one ended 1-1, and Ireland followed it up with a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Belgium. This final game is something of a tall order for Ireland, as they have only ever beaten Italy once in their history. This is another team that does not really have a legitimate goal scoring forward to call upon, which is not what you want to hear when you are going up against one of the best defenses in the world.

Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction

The draw might well be the best of the betting lines available for this one, as you really wonder how much effort the Italians are going to put into winning. Ireland have to come out and have a go, and that may leave them exposed if Italy does decide to go at them.Italy 1 Republic of Ireland 0