Italy are on the verge of Euro 2012 quarter-final qualification following Antonio Cassano's first-half header against the Republic of Ireland in Poznan tonight.

The Azzuri need to win against Giovanni Trapattoni's side to have a chance of making the last eight, but are a step closer following Cassano's 36th-minute effort.

There were few chances during the opening half-an-hour as the Irish remained stubborn in defence, hoping to avoid finishing the tournament pointless.

Shaun St Ledger, a goalscorer in Ireland's opening round defeat to Croatia, kept the game goalless when he superbly blocked a shot from Antonio Di Natalie, who is leading the Italy line in the absence of Man City forward Mario Balotelli.

However, Ireland didn't have the same luck with Cassano's header, which crept into the net despite the best efforts of stand-in captain Damien Duff, who is celebrating his 100th cap this evening.

As it stands, Italy will progress as group winners but their tournament future could change depending on the result of the Spain versus Croatia match, which is also being played this evening.