Italy defeats Ireland, qualifies for Qfinals

Bad boys Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli were both on target in Poznan on Monday as Italy defeated Ireland 2-0 to qualify for the quarterfinals of Euro 2012 by finishing second in group C behind title holders Spain.

Despite dominating possession, Italy needed more than half an hour to put one past Irish keeper Shay Given and exposed themselves to some dangerous breaks from Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland.

Italy now face the winners of group D in Kiev on Sunday. Spain, who won the group after beating Croatia 1-0, face the runners-up of that group on Saturday.

Ireland, who finished the group in last place with zero points, return home with the knowledge that many of his most experienced players -- among them Robbie Keane and Damien Duff, may be about to end their international careers.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli made four changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Croatia, fielding a 4-1-3-2, with Daniele De Rossi moving out of defence to the left side of the midfield.

Defenders Andrea Barzagli, Ignazio Abate and Federico Balzaretti also came into the side, along with striker Antonio Di Natale, who replaced Balotelli alongside Cassano upfront.

By contrast Prandelli’s mentor Trapattoni made only one change in the Ireland squad, fielding striker Kevin Doyle instead of Simon Cox alongside Robbie Keane in a 4-4-2 formation.

Damien Duff was rewarded with the captain’s armband for his 100th appearance for the national team, which may soon see its most experienced players leave the squad.

Shay Given, Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Duff are all tipped to end their international careers after the Euro.

On a clear and warm evening at Poznan’s Municipal Stadium, the Italians started the game in a subdued manner, but still held most of possession while occasionally exposing themselves to the Irish counterattack.

And while it took them a little longer than Spain to put one past Given, they eventually clinched the lead they needed.

After a dangerous 30th minute finish from Di Natale that was blocked by Sean St Ledger’s shoulder, Cassano used the back of his head to nod a Pirlo corner past Given, with the ball being cleared by the Irish defence after bouncing clearly beyond the goal line.

Italy continued to press hard after the break in search for a second goal and created several chances with Cassano and Di Natale.

In between, the Irish were dangerous with Keith Andrews, but his finish was too central to worry keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Prandelli brought on Alessandro Diamanti and Balotelli for Di Natale and Cassano, but failed to create more chances, instead allowing Ireland to push forward and send a few shivers done Italian spines.

Andrews was sent off for second bookable offense in the dying minutes of the match, before Balotelli finished the Italian job with a spectacular volley in the final minute of the match.