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Italy look to be on course to finish on top of Group Eight as they welcome Republic of Ireland to the Stadio San Nicola in Bari for their next World Cup qualifier. Catch all the live football feeds from that game by signing up with us here on Live Sport Network.

 

 

The Azzurri beat Montenegro 2-0 on Saturday to move two points clear off Ireland in Group Eight. The match in Podgorica was totally one-sided as Andrea Pirlo put Italy ahead from the penalty spot after Radoslav Batak handled his cross in the 11th minute.

The game was settled in the 72nd minute after Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini came off the bench to score on his international debut. Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was forced to make several saves during the course of the game, but was never in serious threat as Italy collected all three points from the game.

 

 

The Azzurri top Group 8 with 13 points from 5 games. Italy coach Marcello Lippi would have been delighted with Pazzini's performance. The Fiorentina striker made it to the squad as a replacement for the injured Alberto Gilardino.

Meanwhile Republic of Ireland had themselves to blame after being held to a 1-1 draw by Bulgaria at Croke Park. Richard Dunne headed Ireland to a one goal lead with just 40 seconds gone in the game, but an own goal from Kevin Kilbane in the 74th minute broke Irish hearts.

 

 

Giovanni Trapattoni's men trail Italy by two points going into this game and need a win if they are to entertain any hopes of directly qualifying for the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa next year.

Ireland will be without Damien Duff who sustained a hamstring injury in training and was replaced by Stephen Hunt. Watch Italy vs Rep of Ireland Live online on Live Sport Network, the leading source to watch live world cup qualifiers on the web.