Italy look to guarantee top spot in Group E while Belgium must fend off Sweden to secure a place in the next phase of Euro 2016.

The Italians currently top Group E with two wins from their opening two games, meaning a draw against Republic of Ireland will be enough to secure pole position in the group. Ireland, for their part, will be desperate for a win that would boost their qualification hopes.

Italy have Antonio Candreva missing through injury and are likely to rest a host of players to ensure they don’t pick up any suspensions heading into the knockout phase. Ireland, for their part, are without striker Jonathan Walters, who has an achilles problem.

Italy boast the better of the head-to-head clashes between the sides as they have won four of the seven meetings. The most recent fixture between the sides ended in a 0-0 draw back in 2014.

‘It’s not a soft game – Ireland are tough opponents. We’re already through, but that doesn’t mean anything. What I ask of my lads is to play the game to win it, because winning helps you win more.’ said Italy’s coach Antonio Conte.

Ireland coach Martin O’Neil is happy with the circumstances that his side find themselves in and is up for the challenge.

‘Six months ago, if you thought you had to win your last game to qualify, and there’s a fairly decent chance of that … I think you would have taken it. We have to concentrate on what we’re going to do, and make sure we’re in front when the final whistle blows.’

The match will be played at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille. Kick-off is at 21:00.

The other Group E tie sees Belgium take on Sweden. The tie is a must win encounter for Sweden if they have any hope of progression, while Belgium can all but secure a second place finish with a draw.

Sweden will have defender Mikael Lustig missing for the clash following a groin injury, while the match could be Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s last ever game for his country, with the big forward set to retire from international football at the end of the tournament. Belgium, meanwhile, are without Mousa Dembele and Yannick Carrasco, both of whom have ankle injuries.

Belgium have had the better of Sweden in the more recent meetings between the sides, including a 2-0 friendly victory when the sides last went head-to-head back in 2014.

Erik Hamren expects forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic to feature prominently after falling to live up to his high standards in the previous two encounters. The former PSG star has announced that he will retire from Sweden duty after the tournament and will be hoping that the clash against Belgium will not be his last.

‘Zlatan means a lot to us, as he’s shown in the past. In qualifying he decided most of our games; he’s a big part of our attack but he can’t do it alone. We have to be better in our offence as a team.’ said the Swedish coach.

Marc Wilmots is preparing for the match like a Cup final after his side lost to Italy on the opening day before rebounding against the Irish in style.

‘This is another cup final. I hope we have a lot of possession, pass the ball about well and make them run as much as possible, while managing to create a lot of chances and, hopefully, putting them away.’ said Wilmots.

The game will take place at the Stade de Nice, Nice. Action gets underway at 21:00.