Italy face the Republic of Ireland in their final group stage match with qualification from the group stage, and a last 16 tie against Spain, already on the horizon.
Two wins from two, including a stunning counter-attacking performance against a talented Belgium side, have silenced pundits and journalists who, prior to the tournament, had criticised Antonio Conte’s squad selection and were pessimistic about the Azzurri’s chances of progressing further into the tournament.
With the in-form defending champions certain to offer a greater threat than those faced in Group E, Conte could choose to rest a few crucial names against Ireland, who can still qualify from either second or third place in the group.
Italy have shone defensively so far, particularly the experienced Juventus quartet of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, although it has not always led to the most visually appealing style of football.
Heading into this final Group E tie, here is my predicted Italian XI:
GK: Salvatore Sirigu
With Buffon a doubt for the game with illness, there seems no need to risk the captain with the group already won, so PSG’s Sirigu is likely to deputise.
CB: Andrea Barzagli
One of the stellar defensive trio for Italy so far, Barzagli should keep his place on the right of central defence.
CB: Angelo Ogbonna
Solid for West Ham this season and likely to replace Bonucci to avoid a suspension for the Juve man.
CB: Giorgio Chiellini
Despite being on a yellow card, the Italians are lacking defenders so the battling Chiellini could still feature.
RM: Alessandro Florenzi
Subbed towards the end of the victory over Sweden.
A natural replacement for an unfit Antonio Candreva.
CM: Marco Parolo
The Lazio midfielder is free of bookings, so is likely to retain his starting place in the heart of the Azzurri midfield.
CM: Stefano Sturaro
Replaced Florenzi in the Sweden tie and can act as a natural replacement for De Rossi.
CM: Emanuele Giaccherini
An unexpected creative star for Conte’s side after below par showings for Sunderland. No reason to drop him bar freshness for the last 16.
LM: Lorenzo Insigne
Despite being expected to star for Italy, Insigne has had to make do with a spot on the sidelines so far.
Napoli’s starlet could finally get his chance to shine in the much changed line up.
FW: Stephan El Shaarawy
Like Insigne, El Shaarawy has been benched for both of Italy’s games so far but may well get a run against the Irish.
FW: Ciro Immobile
Played a key role in the late stages of the victory over Belgium but has so far been stuck behind Eder and Graziano Pelle in the pecking order.