Italy boss Cesare Prandelli today dismissed talk of collusion between Spain and Croatia as his side’s Euro 2012 future hangs in the balance.
The Azzurri go into their final game against the Republic of Ireland on Monday knowing that victory will send them through to the last eight, unless their Group C rivals draw by 2‑2 or more. Italy were eliminated in similar circumstances at Euro 2004, when they beat Bulgaria 2-1 only for Denmark and Sweden to play out a 2‑2 draw.
By coincidence the Azzurri were managed by Giovanni Trapattoni, who is now manager of Ireland.
Despite the events of 2004, Prandelli has dispelled fears of any underhand tactics this time.
“I’m not thinking like this,” he said. “I’m thinking all the games are fair and everyone is playing for the win.’
“We are still convinced we can get through. We are not out of it but we have wasted an opportunity here.”
Having taken the lead thanks to a wonderful free-kick from Andrea Pirlo, Mario Mandzukic equalised for Croatia in the second half. Prandelli admits he may be forced to make changes against Ireland on Monday.
“We will evaluate everyone’s condition and if needs be I will make changes,” he said. “But only in terms of personnel and not the system.
“In terms of the last two games, at that stage of the game we lack fresh legs. We need to rest up after this, we need to see how we manage our energy levels.”
