Trapattoni ready for any eventuality as Italians loom

Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni said Tuesday he is confident his side can match any potential World Cup playoff rival.

Despite being shorn of the services of winger Damien Duff for their crucial World Cup qualifier against group eight leaders Italy, Trapattoni, whose men are unbeaten in their pool to date, is ready for any eventuality.

“We know what sort of team we are, we know which position we are in the ranking.

“But, for me, it is not important because big teams can lose. Now I am sure our team is confident and, in football, anything can happen.

“If Italy lose the last two games, maybe we qualify (automatically). But if we go into the play-offs, we have high morale and we can compete with any team.

“If we play in the play-offs, we will not be afraid of any team.

“For me, it is not important because we can play against good teams – we will see on Saturday against Italy. I am confident against all teams.”

However, Trapattoni opposes FIFA’s idea of seeding for the playoffs, where the likes of France and Portugal could be trying to secure last-ditch qualification.

“In the future, FIFA and UEFA have to think about changing this rule.

“This situation in the future must change, because every country has the right to qualify,” the Italian said, drawing parallels with club football.

“Four or five years ago, the big teams – like Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid – wanted to create a super league, but it was dangerous for football and they gave up on it. That would have been the death of football. It was football for eight teams and the others are dead.”

Unbeaten Ireland take on the knowing a victory would move them to within one point of top spot with one round of matches remaining, hence they can still cause a shock by going through automatically.

Ireland entertain Montenegro next Wednesday while Italy, who will secure their place in next year’s finals if they avoid defeat in Dublin, have a final match against Cyprus in Parma.