Pitch for Ireland’s group decider in shameful state, says Italy boss

"The playing surface definitely isn't up to hosting a European championship match."

Antonio Conte has criticised the state of the pitch on which Italy will attempt to preserve their 100 per cent start to the Euro 2016 finals against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night.

UEFA has confirmed that the playing surface at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille will be torn up immediately after the game and a replacement, which is being brought in from the Netherlands, laid before the venue hosts its next fixture on Sunday evening.