IRELAND CAPTAIN JOHN O’Shea has said his side have a “big chance” against Italy in their final Group E clash but must do a better job at keeping their shape if they are to have any chance of reaching the knock-out stages.
O’Shea added that Ireland were too open to the counter-attack, something that Belgium took full advantage of, but that the team would take some positives from the performance.
“We know we’ve got a big chance against Italy,” the Sunderland defender told RTÉ after today’s 3-0 loss.
“It’ll be a difficult game as Italy have been fantastic in their first two games but we can take positives from the first half tonight and the game against Sweden.
“We were too open to the counter attack. A bit more discipline and control, we can get something against Italy.
“In patches, the first half was okay today. But keeping shape and compactness is something we need to work on.
“When attacking, it’s a cliche but you’re at your most vulnerable. It’s something to work on. They’re not a bad side but we helped them out a bit sometimes.
“If we do that, with a bit more discipline, I think we can get a result against Italy.”
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