Italy could be crowned Group E winners today, but paradoxically that could lead to a much tougher route to the Euro 2016 Final.
The Azzurri won both their opening games against Belgium and Sweden, so if the Republic of Ireland fail to beat the Belgians today, Italy will be sure of top spot.
However, the Nazionale have reason to hope they are runners-up instead.
The victors of Group E will go on to face the second team in Group D, played at the Stade De France in Paris on Monday June 27.
Italy could be crowned Group E winners today, but paradoxically that could lead to a much tougher route to the Euro 2016 Final.
The Azzurri won both their opening games against Belgium and Sweden, so if the Republic of Ireland fail to beat the Belgians today, Italy will be sure of top spot.
However, the Nazionale have reason to hope they are runners-up instead.
The victors of Group E will go on to face the second team in Group D, played at the Stade De France in Paris on Monday June 27.
As things stand, that would be Croatia, who are on four points behind Spain with six.
On the other hand, the runners-up in Group E will be drawn against the winners of Group F, which is comfortably the weakest group in the tournament.
After just one game, Hungary are top on three points, while Portugal and Iceland have one.
The difficulties carry on into the quarter-finals, as topping Group E would most likely mean facing Germany (or Poland) and after that France in the semis.
Belgium take on Ireland today at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT).
Marc Wilmots makes numerous changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Italy, dropping Laurent Ciman, Radja Nainggolan and Marouane Fellaini.
Ireland were held 1-1 by Sweden in their opener after an unfortunate own goal, but bring in Stephen Ward for injured Jonathan Walters.
Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Witsel, Dembele; De Bruyne, Hazard, Carrasco; R Lukaku
Rep Ireland: Randolph; S Coleman, O’Shea, Clark, Brady; Hendrick, Whelan, McCarthy, Ward, Hoolahan; Long