Italy v Republic of Ireland - World Cup qualifier
Venue:
Stadio San Nicola, Bari
Date:
Wednesday, 1 April
Kick-off:
1950 BST
Coverage:
Live on BBC Sport Website
 Liam Brady believes the Italians are expecting a tough test on Wednesday
|
Republic of Ireland assistant manager Liam Brady is convinced Italy's choice of venue illustrates their concern about Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.
Italy top the group ahead of the game in Bari with the Republic two points back in second.
"When the Italian Federation feel it's a difficult match, they like to take their games down south," said Brady.
"When they are much more confident, they play up north, so it's a good sign for us that we are playing there."
The trip to Italy will undoubtedly be the most difficult challenge of the qualification campaign for the Republic.
And with away games in Bulgaria and Cyprus to follow before they welcome Italy to Croke Park in October, they are well aware just how significant a positive result could be.
"In this group, if you look at it, there has been very little in the games played already as regards teams winning by large margins," added Brady.
"Nobody has really had an easy game and I think we are in for much of the same on Wednesday.
 |
I think we will give them a hell of a game.
Liam Brady
|
"We feel as if we can go there and get something from the match, and we are in a very good position points-wise in the group."
The game will inevitably rekindle memories of the Republic's famous World Cup finals victory over the Italians at New York's Giants Stadium back in 1994, and Brady is hoping those memories might provide an added inspiration.
He said: "Well, that was a great moment, wasn't it?
"I don't think the Italians expected us to win that afternoon in the Giants Stadium, but I was there and what a great feeling it was to beat Italy in a World Cup match in the finals.
"We are going into this situation with a healthy amount of points on the board, and I think we will give them a hell of a game.
"You never know, we might come up with something like that. That would be nice."
No comments:
Post a Comment