foxsports
Needing a win to stand a chance of advancing to the quarterfinals, Antonio Cassano gave Italy a 1-0 lead over Ireland at halftime of their final Group C match at the European Championship on Monday.
Cassano headed in with his back to the goal following a corner kick in the 35th minute on a warm and muggy night at the Municipal Stadium Poznan.
Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given got his hand on the shot but couldn't prevent it from going in.
Cassano fell ill with stroke-like symptoms in October and then required minor heart surgery.
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Italy needs to beat Ireland and hope for help from Spain and Croatia to advance. Ireland was already eliminated.
Spain and Croatia have four points each, Italy has two and Ireland none.
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