Italy progressed through to the quarter-final stages of Euro 2012 after beating Republic of Ireland 2-0 in Poznan.
The Azzurri, who required three points from tonight’s final Group C fixture to maintain their qualification hopes, restored Andrea Barzagli to the starting line-up following the defender’s recovery from a calf injury.
He joined Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio as Cesare Prandelli again opted for a strong Bianconeri presence.
Italy took the lead in the closing stages of the first half when Antonio Cassano steered home Andrea Pirlo’s precise delivery from the left-hand side.
A heavy knock forced Giorgio Chiellini to depart the action shortly after the break, with Juve team-mate Leonardo Bonucci entering the fray as his replacement.
As time wore on, Ireland upped the ante and almost snatched an equaliser fifteen minutes from time. Keith Andrews let fly from outside the area but found Gigi Buffon on hand to parry his venomous effort clear.
Yet Mario Balotelli, on as a second half substitute, struck a late volley to make sure of the points.
The Azzurri join Spain in the knockout stages of the competition and will face the winner of Group D on Sunday.
Source: Juventus.com
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