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Italy v Rep of Ireland preview - Pride at stake as Irish hope to halt Italy challenge
Posted Monday, June 18, 2012 by Sky Sport

Italy v Rep of Ireland preview - Pride at stake as Irish hope to halt Italy challenge
Giovanni Trapattoni has named Damien Duff captain for his 100th cap

Kevin Doyle has been restored to the starting line-up as the Republic of Ireland aim to salvage some pride in their final Group C game against Italy.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men are already eliminated from the European Championship, having lost their opening two games against Croatia and Spain respectively.

Italy must win if they are to have any hope for maintaining their challenge, but Trapattoni is not prepared to roll over for his homeland, naming his strongest possible side.

As expected, Simon Cox makes way for the return of Doyle, who was sacrificed against the Spaniards amid a failed tactical move from Trapattoni.

In a sentimental move, Damien Duff will captain the side at the expense of Robbie Keane to mark the Fulham winger's 100th appearance in a green shirt.

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Standings
    Rank Team W/D/L Pts

    Cities & Stadiums

    The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments

    Year Winners Runner-up Third place
    2008SpainGermanyRussia / Turkey
    2004GreecePortugalNetherlands / Czech Republic
    2000FranceItalyNetherlands / Portugal
    1996GermanyCzech RepublicFrance / England
    1992DenmarkGermanyNetherlands / Sweden
    1988NetherlandsSoviet UnionItaly / West Germany
    1984FranceSpainDenmark / Portugal
    1980West GermanyBelgiumCzechoslovakia
    1976CzechoslovakiaWest GermanyNetherlands
    1972West GermanySoviet UnionBelgium
    1968ItalyYugoslaviaEngland
    1964SpainSoviet UnionHungary
    1960Soviet UnionYugoslaviaCzechoslovakia