It is all to play for following Saturday's nil all draw in Copenhagen.

Victory will see Ireland reach the finals for the first time since 2002.

Denmark manager Age Hareide thinks they will hold the upper hand if the match goes to extra time.

He said: "I think we have more players in our group, we are used to playing tight matches.

"A lot of our players play in Champions League so our players are used to that, if it goes into extra time I think we have the squad and the players to take that.."

Both managers have promised to play a more open, attacking style of game.

Irish boss Martin O'Neil says they be aiming to win the match.

He said: "I think that we will translate a bit more expansive if we can, deal with the ball a wee bit better.

"We have to find a way to win the match and these players have been able to do that in the last couple of years."

While Ireland still have a hope of being in Russia next summer, Italy have none.

Their scoreless draw with Sweden last night in Milan meant they lost their playoff to Sweden 1-nil on aggregate.