Antonio Conte’s comments about playing Ireland will give great hope to Irish fans

Italy don't do dead rubbers.

The Azzurri assured their place in the knockout rounds of Euro 2016 with a 1-0 win over Sweden on Friday afternoon. They are now top of Group E on six points, ahead of their game against the Republic of Ireland next Wednesday. Following the victory over Sweden, Italian coach Antonio Conte told the media that he will use the fixture against Ireland to give some playing time to fringe members of the squad. https://twitter.com/OliverKayTimes/status/743830267530461184 https://twitter.com/tancredipalmeri/status/743833202511450113 Although Italy will still prove difficult to beat, and Ireland must first navigate past the talented Belgium team in Bordeaux on Saturday, this could prove to be a positive development for Martin O'Neill's team, especially if Conte decides to rest the Italian back four - Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. The Juventus teammates conceded just 20 goals in 38 games in Serie A last season, Buffon went 974 minutes without conceding, while Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini have lost just four out of 64 league matches they started together. We reckon Shane Long would rather take his chances against Angelo Ogbonna.