The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team will face Italy, Austria and Hungary in the Cyprus Cup this March as they continue their preparations for the resumption of the EURO 2017 qualifying campaign in April.
Ireland have been drawn in Group A and will open their campaign against Austria on Wednesday 2 March. The sides met at the Istria Cup in Croatia last year when the Austrians won 2-0.
After playing Italy on Friday 4 March they will meet Hungary, whom they drew 1-1 with at the Istria Cup, on Monday 7 March.
The other group contains Ireland’s EURO 2017 rivals Finland as well as Poland, Czech Republic and Wales and there will be a play-off for final tournament positions on Wednesday 9 March.
“Cyprus will be extremely important to us as we continue to get ready for two big qualifiers in April away to Montenegro and Spain.
"It gives us another opportunity to work with the players as well as getting in four matches against good quality opposition,” said Ireland manager Sue Ronan.
“We faced Austria and Hungary last year in Croatia so we know what to expect from them while Italy are top side. I haven’t faced them since I became senior manager in 2010 so it will be a big test for us against one of Europe’s top teams.”
