Italy does bare minimum in 2-0 win over Ireland

By ANDREW DAMPF

AP Sports Writer

Associated Press Sports

updated 4:47 p.m. ET June 18, 2012

POZNAN, Poland (AP) -Goals from Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli gave Italy a 2-0 victory over Ireland at the European Championship on Monday.

Cassano headed in with his back to the goal by the near post following a corner kick in the 35th minute on a warm and muggy night at the Municipal Stadium Poznan.

Substitute Balotelli scored in the second half.

Still, Italy's fate rested in the result of the Spain-Croatia match.

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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