Martin O’Neill’s heart sank when Italy became the fourth nation to make up Group E for Euro 2016.
After being drawn alongside Belgium from Pot 1 followed by Sweden from Pot 3 the group was looking favourable- until Italy emerged from Pot 3.
“Well it couldn’t be tougher really,” O’Neill told RTÉ. “I mean when you think Italy should be in Pot 1, so you’re effectively talking about two Pot 1 teams but even still it’s there to digest, the matches will be very difficult but we’ll treat it accordingly when the time comes around.
“The matches will be very difficult but they are games to look forward to and we have a couple of months to prepare for them.
“There are lots of plots and sub-plots, I don’t think the fans’ enthusiasm will be diminished by the draw, in fact I think they might even be enhanced.
“The rankings can vary and change a bit but we know they’re [Belgium] are a very decent side, they’ve world class players in their team and Italy are Italy, of course, and then we follow up with Sweden too but they’re games to look forward to and that’s the most important thing.”
Ireland open their campaign on Monday June 11 against Sweden in Paris, on June 17 they travel to meet Belgium in Bordeaux before the closing fixture against Italy on June 22 in Lille.
England were drawn in Group B alongwith Wales, Russia and Slovakia with the Wales v England match on Thursday June 16 in Lens.