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.
BREAKING: Martin O'Neill has named his starting team to face Italy! #COYBIG #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/Ng1HFzXUpm
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) June 22, 2016
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.
FORMAZIONE UFFICIALE #ITA#Euro2016 ⚽#ItaliaIrlanda 🇮🇹v🇮🇪 h 21#Azzurri #Nazionale #Italia #ITAIRL pic.twitter.com/6B7NUbKf3R
— Nazionale Italiana (@Vivo_Azzurro) June 22, 2016
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.
