Trapattoni intent on upsetting odds
Trapattoni's intent on upsetting the odds
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By Inthenews. |  |
Saturday, 10, Oct 2009 09:30
By Michael Younger.
Giovanni Trapattoni's Repbulic of Ireland squad are looking to upset the odds in World Cup qualifying group eight as they welcome Italy to Croke Park.
A draw for Italy would secure Marcello Lippi's side qualify automaticly while the Republic need just two points from their final two games if they are to settle for second place.
Trapattoni, who says he still harbours hopes of topping the group by beating his countrymen on Saturday evening, will have to achieve the upset without the injured Damien Duff after the Fulham winger picked up a calf injury during the Cottagers' defeat to Arsenal.
Other injuries facing the Republic ahead of the clash of the day include Darron Gibson (groin) and Steven Reid (Achilles), so Glenn Whelan can expect to partner Keith Andrews in the centre of midfield.
Aston Villa's Richard Dunne (ankle) and Preston's Sean St Ledger (neck) both missed training on Wednesday but are expected to recover in time to partner each other at the heart of defence.
Kevin Kilbane, who will earn his 99th cap for the Republic along with Shay Given, can expect to start at left-back once again with John O'Shea on the right.
On-fire strikers Kevin Doyle (Wolves) and captain Robbie Keane (Tottenham) look set to start up front.
Meanwhile Lippi's Italy team is expected to be dominated by players from his old club Juventus, as he stressed the need to qualify for South Africa with a game to spare.
"It's very important for us," said Lippi.
"We only need a point but it will be a mistake to play for the draw, we have to play our game."
Lippi added: "This is the most important week for us in the last two years."
If the Italians are beaten in Dublin, victory against Cyprus in Parma next Wednesday will still ensure top spot and automatic qualification for Lippi's side.
One of the only major changes for the Azzuri ahead of the Croke Park clash sees the suspended Fabio Cannavaro replaced by Nicola Legrottaglie, who plays in central defence alongside club-mate Giorgio Chiellini.
Daniele de Rossi is expected to hold onto his midfield berth ahead of the available again Gennaro Gattuso, which would earn the Roma midfielder his 50th international cap.