Ireland Under-21s: Permutations to qualify for Euro '23

Jim Crawford's Republic of Ireland Under-21 side remain on the cusp of qualification for their first ever European Championships after a 3-1 win at home to Montenegro on Monday night.

All eyes now turn to Thursday’s game between Sweden and Italy in Helsingborg.

THURSDAY'S CRUCIAL GAME

If that game ends in a draw, then Ireland will have a chance in Ascoli next Tuesday to top the group and qualify automatically with a win against the Italians. Ireland will be guaranteed second spot if the Italy-Sweden game finishes level.

The last game between the sides ended in a draw with Sweden earning a point thanks to a 92nd minute equaliser from Tim Prica.

If Italy defeat the Swedes, Ireland will be guaranteed a play-off place. However, if Sweden beat Italy, then Ireland will have to go to Italy and earn a point to qualify for a play-off.

They would finish above Sweden due to their better head-to-head record than their Swedish counterparts.

IRELAND V ITALY

If Italy fail to win on Thursday, an win Irish win would see Crawford’s side top the group and qualify automatically.

If Sweden beat Italy, then a loss in Ascoli would see Ireland finish third and miss out on any hopes of qualification.

STORY SO FAR

A 1-1 draw away in Luxembourg back in September 2021 before a shock defeat away to Montenegro in October 2021 meant that Ireland had only picked up seven out of a possible 12 points without playing either of the top two Italy or Sweden yet.

After suffering a home defeat to a very strong Italian side, back-to-back wins against likely rivals for second place Sweden got the campaign back on track. The first came at Tallaght Stadium thanks to a last gasp Ollie O’Neill goal before a solid 0-2 away win with goals from Ross Tierney and Tyreik Wright.

Furt