But it's not like Italy is any better nowadays.
Maybe i'm wrong, but the English or some other EPL followers who know all the Irish players well, will find the Rep. of Ireland less boring than You and me.
Italy are boring indeed, but with so many well familiar faces, they'll get your attention.
Also, Italy are one of the most loved but at the same time most hated teams, so people sometimes watch them just so they can jeer them and hope they lose.
