Ireland to face Italy once again in Euro qualifying

Ireland will face Italy for the third campaign running after the draw for the Euro 2025 qualifiers was made today.

Jim Crawford’s charges will also face Norway, Turkey, Latvia and San Marino in the race for the finals in Slovakia.

The Young Boys in Green are bidding to reach a European Championships for the first time in their history.

But while he will have some new players to work with, Crawford will be spurred on having come agonisingly close last year, losing out to Israel on penalties in the playoff.

Ireland were second seeds for today’s draw in Switzerland but Italy will be the team to beat with only the group winners securing automatic qualification.

The three best runners up from the nine qualifying groups will also progress to the finals, with the other six runners-up contesting the playoffs.

Fixtures have yet to be confirmed but Ireland boss Crawford said: "We've some exciting games coming up against quality opposition.

“My staff and I can't wait to test ourselves against some top European nations. Italy, Norway, and Turkey have great international pedigree and Latvia and San Marino will be a new test for us.

“Qualification for the European Championship is always a challenge and this is a challenge we're looking forward to.”

Crawford - who has signed a new two-year deal - added: “These games will be a great opportunity for players to develop and prepare for senior international football.

“I look forward to working with them as they will be a new generation of Under-21s internationals.”

Italy will be the hot favourites to top the group, and did so when Ireland faced them in the last two qualifying campaigns.

Crawford’s Young Boys in Green are next in action on March 26 when they face Iceland in a friendly at Turner’s Cross in Cork.

2025 U21 EURO qualifying

Group A: Italy, Republic of Ireland, Norway, Turkey, Latvia, San Marino

Group B: Spain, Belgium, Scotland, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Malta

Group C: Netherlands, Sweden, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Gibraltar

Group D: Germany, Poland, Israel, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Estonia

Group E: Romania, Switzerland, Finland, Albania, Montenegro, Armenia

Group F: England, Ukraine, Serbia, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg

Group G: Portugal, Croatia, Greece, Belarus, Faroe Islands, Andorra

Group H: France, Austria, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus