Marco Tardelli doesn’t expect Italy to pull out of Euro 2012.
The Irish assistant manager was a World Cup winner in 1982 when Paolo Rossi bounced back from a two year ban to lead Italy to glory with a hat-trick against Brazil turning the tide for the Azurri.
Another match fixing scandal emerged this week with current national coach Cesare Prandelli suggesting that pulling out of Euro 2012 could be one way of dealing with the domestic crisis.
Last night’s 3-0 home defeat from Russia further damaged morale but Tardelli isn’t expecting the Italian’s to pull out ahead of their opening match with Spain on June 10.
Asked if he thought Italy would withdraw Tardelli said: “I don’t think so, Italy is very important. They will be in Poland because it is only some players (who are allegedly involved). Not all of football in Italy is involved.
“I am very sad, but I have lived many times through this situation.
“I knew this situation in 1980 when many players were disqualified, then 10 years ago and now.
“We need to clean it up because if we can carry on with this situation, it is very bad for football and the Italian people.
“I want my people to be recognised for the right reasons. They are honest people.”
Italy’s problems have suddenly opened up Group C which also includes Croatia and Ireland.
Being drawn against three countries rated in FIFA’s top 12 was always going to be a daunting task but Shay Given believes that it’s one that Ireland can revel in.
The keeper has recovered from an injury scare and looking forward to causing an upset or two when the action gets underway in Poland.
He said: “I think there’s a real belief that we are a good team as well.
“People outside the country might not think that, but as a group of players and the management and even the supporters, we are a tight-knit group and we have got to keep that going throughout the championships.
“We would like to go a long way.”
CLICK HERE for Yorkston says cup ban isn’t enough
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
