Giovanni Trapattoni has named his Republic of Ireland side for their last Euro 2012 match against Italy and Damien Duff will be captain in his 100th senior international.
Match odds
Republic of Ireland – 11/1 (
Betfred)
The 33-year-old Fulham winger has been handed the armband by usual skipper Robbie Keane to mark the achievement of becoming only the fifth man to complete a century for the country.
However, with Ireland having lost both of their opening games to Croatia and Spain, Duff will spend his big night attempting to secure a first point of the tournament.
Duff said: “It's obviously an awfully proud moment, but I would take three points against Italy ahead of 100 caps at the minute.
“I know how much it means to myself and my family but I’m not trying to make a big deal out of it. I just want to get on with the game and hopefully do the business.”
Trapattoni makes one change from the side that lost 4-0 to Spain with Kevin Doyle returning up front in place of Simon Cox.
Italy have been given an untimely injury headache after Mario Balotelli limped out of training with a knee problem.
The Manchester City striker faces a race against time to prove his fitness and is due to be assessed by Italy's medical team before a decision is taken regarding his possible involvement against the Irish.
The fiery front man has started both of Italy's Euro 2012 games so far, against Spain and Croatia, which both ended 1-1, although he failed to make it through the full 90 minutes of either.
He saw his replacement Antonio Di Natale net a crucial goal against Spain and there are calls for coach Cesare Prandelli to start the Udinese striker against Ireland.
Prandelli will be keen to welcome back Andrea Barzagli into the mix after the Juventus defender missed the first two games of the tournament with a thigh injury.
The coach is likely to revert back to a four-man defence if the centre-half passes a late fitness test.
Italy v Republic of Ireland starting teams
Italy (predicted): Buffon; Maggio, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; De Rossi, Marchisio, Pirlo, Giaccherini; Di Natale, Cassano
Republic of Ireland (confirmed): Given; O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward; Duff (capt), Whelan, Andrews, McGeady; Keane, Doyle.
