Southampton striker Shane Long is looking forward to the Euro2016 showdown with teammate Graziano Pelle.
Both strikers will face off against each other in the summer competition as Republic of Ireland and Italy have been drawn in the same group.
The Italian striker broke his 14-hour goal drought by scoring a brace against Stoke City on Saturday, and his Irish teammate was happy thrilled as he looks ahead to their final Group E game which will take place in Lille on June 22.
Long said: "I'm pleased for Graz. I've been in that position before when you are doing everything right but the ball just doesn't go in the net for you.
"It was nice for him to get those two goals and after the second I was telling him 'Come on, get your hat-trick'. He deserved it - he's a great player.
"As a striker, when you get that confidence, everything seems to happen for you. He just needed to get one to kick on and hopefully finish the season strongly.
"He's looking forward to the Euros and he will be wanting to do well, though I'm hoping to shut him up in the final game."