Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes his fellow Italians “have the quality to go right through to the end” of Euro 2012.
The Azzurri reached the quarter-finals thanks to tonight’s 2-0 victory over the Irish and Spain’s 1-0 win against Croatia.
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes his fellow Italians “have the quality to go right through to the end” of Euro 2012.
The Azzurri reached the quarter-finals thanks to tonight’s 2-0 victory over the Irish and Spain’s 1-0 win against Croatia.
“If certain strong sides are going home, this means that Italy have the quality to go right through to the end of the tournament,” said Trap in his Press conference.
“I think this evening we played much better than the games against Spain and Croatia. We played with more personality, credibility, commitment.
“The first 20 or 30 minutes we played well, we had our possibility to score, but after one goal the game was already finished.”
Trapattoni was also asked about reports several veteran Ireland players are ready to retire after the tournament ended with three consecutive defeats.
“Now is too early, but I can also say to you that I spoke just now with one or two. We'll see again in the next friendly game in August.
“Maybe in this moment they are disappointed. This is in the air, so maybe it is better if they wait to see what happens.
“I have a willingness to believe again, because I am sure we have fresh energy in this new squad and we can do better. I wait…to start again in the new season,” concluded the 73-year-old.