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troutman · 09-08-2009, 03:44 PM

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/ne...alian+showdown

Robbie Keane has sent a warning shot across the bows of world champions Italy ahead of their crucial meeting with Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 10 October 2009.

Away wins for the Italians and the Irish on Saturday keep Marcello Lippi's charges a point clear at the top of Group 8 heading into 9 September's clash with third-placed Bulgaria in Turin.

Keane's late strike in Nicosia finally saw off Cyprus, while the Italians won 2-0 in Georgia to set up a showdown at Croke Park when a major blow could be struck either way in the race for qualification for South Africa.

Irish eyes will be fully focused on Turin on Wednesday evening - Trapattoni's men play a friendly against South Africa in Limerick 24 hours earlier - and opinion may be divided on the best result.

Victory for Italy would make winning the group intensely difficult for Ireland, but would virtually guarantee them the runners-up spot. A Bulgaria win would blow the race wide open, although that would drag Dimitar Berbatov and company back into striking distance.

09-08-2009, 03:44 PM	#100
troutman Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Crowsnest Pass Exp:	http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/ne...alian+showdown Robbie Keane has sent a warning shot across the bows of world champions Italy ahead of their crucial meeting with Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 10 October 2009. Away wins for the Italians and the Irish on Saturday keep Marcello Lippi's charges a point clear at the top of Group 8 heading into 9 September's clash with third-placed Bulgaria in Turin. Keane's late strike in Nicosia finally saw off Cyprus, while the Italians won 2-0 in Georgia to set up a showdown at Croke Park when a major blow could be struck either way in the race for qualification for South Africa. Irish eyes will be fully focused on Turin on Wednesday evening - Trapattoni's men play a friendly against South Africa in Limerick 24 hours earlier - and opinion may be divided on the best result. Victory for Italy would make winning the group intensely difficult for Ireland, but would virtually guarantee them the runners-up spot. A Bulgaria win would blow the race wide open, although that would drag Dimitar Berbatov and company back into striking distance. Last edited by troutman; 09-08-2009 at 03:46 PM.