Martin O'Neill makes four big changes for do-or-die clash

Martin O’Neill has included two strikers and a new centre-half pairing.

Martin O'Neill makes four big changes for do-or-die clash

Martin O’Neill has made a raft of changes ahead of tonight’s do-or-die clash against Italy, writes Stephen Barry.

O’Neill has included two strikers and a new centre-half pairing as Ireland bid to rescue a first win at the European Championships since Ray Houghton’s goal sank England at Euro ’88.

Daryl Murphy, who is yet to score for Ireland in 21 games, joins Shane Long in attack. Goalscorer against Sweden Wes Hoolahan misses out.

John O’Shea, who captained Ireland against Sweden and Belgium, and Ciaran Clark are both dropped, with Richard Keogh and Shane Duffy coming in. Blackburn defender Duffy makes his fourth appearance in green.

James McClean comes into midfield, with Glenn Whelan left out. James McCarthy is likely to police the centre of midfield with one of McClean, Jeff Hendrick or Robbie Brady.

Seamus Coleman and Stephen Ward retain their positions in the full-back berths.

Anything less than a win means elimination at the group stage for a third successive Euros.

Italy make eight changes as they prepare for a last-16 tie against Spain.

Their manager Antonio Conte had already admitted that wholesale changes were likely, as his side have already secured top-spot in Group E.

Gianluigi Buffon is replaced in goal by PSG’s Salvatore Sirigu.

Centre-backs Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci remain and are joined by West Ham’s Angelo Ogbonna.

Alessandro Florenzi is the only other survivor from Italy’s win against Belgium. He will play in midfield with Thiago Motta, Stefano Sturaro and wide-men Mattia De Sciglio and Federico Bernardeschi.

Simone Zaza of Juventus and Torino’s Ciro Immobile lead their attack.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Rangers v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Friendly Match - Ibrox Stadium Uli Hoeness says 'probably impossible' to lure Xabi Alonso from Bayer in summer
Republic of Ireland Training Session and Media Conference Ogbene ruled out for 'few weeks'
Chelsea v Leicester City - Barclays Women's Super League - Kingsmeadow Willie Kirk sacked as Leicester boss after position became ‘untenable’
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited