Kevin Kilbane: ‘Man for man,’ Ireland as good as Italy in Euro 2016

Kevin Kilbane is convinced that “man for man”, the Irish team is as good as the Italian side they will face at Euro 2016.

But given the Azzurri’s tournament history, and their proven ability to eke out a result when required, the former Irish international still thinks victory will be necessary for Ireland in the opening group game against Sweden before Martin O’Neill’s men face their toughest test when they take on a star-studded Belgian side.

“I’ve covered every single Italy game through the qualifiers and, honest to God, I don’t see any real threat within that side,” says the former international turned media analyst.