15 Dec 2015
Republic to face Dutch in friendly

Euro 2016: Republic to face Dutch in Dublin friendly

Republic of Ireland will take on the Netherlands in their final friendly in Dublin before the Euro 2016 finals.

The match at the Aviva Stadium will be played on May 27, just over a fortnight before the Republic's Group E opener against Sweden.

The Dutch, who failed to qualify for the finals, beat the Irish 4-0 in the last game between the sides in 2006.

Martin O'Neill's men start preparations for France with friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia in March.

It will be the Republic's 20th encounter against the Netherlands, with the Dutch prevailing nine times to Ireland's seven.

The Republic will play a fourth and final friendly before the tournament, although the opponents and match details have yet to be announced.

Belgium and Italy complete a tough group for the Irish, who lost all three games in the Euro 2012 finals.

Republic of Ireland fixtures (all times BST)

Monday, 13 June

Republic of Ireland v Sweden (17:00; Stade de France, Paris)

Saturday, 18 June

Belgium v Republic of Ireland (14:00; Stade de Bordeaux)

Wednesday, 22 June

Italy v Republic of Ireland (20:00; Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille)

Most recent meetings

Republic of Ireland 1-2 Sweden (September 2013)

Belgium 2-1 Republic of Ireland (November 1997)

Italy 0-0 Republic of Ireland (May 2014)