Giovanni Trapattoni must play his native Italy in the European Championships – as well as world champions Spain and Croatia.

Ireland will be based in Poland for the Euro 2012 finals with their opening game against Croatia in Poznan on Sunday, June 10th.

They then move to Gdansk to face reigning World Cup and European champions Spain on Thursday, June 14th.

Trapattoni’s side round-off their Group C schedule with a game against the Italians back in Poznan on Monday, June 18th which is the anniversary of the famous match between the two teams at the 1994 World Cup in Giants Stadium, New Jersey.

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“I said it would be better not to play them psychologically,” said the former Italian boss Trapattoni after the draw in the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

“But I also know them better and their players. We can play against them. We can think about the win over Italy in the friendly last May and also our performance when we drew in the World Cup qualifiers in Bari.

“Every 90 minutes is different and it’s important that we have no injuries and a complete squad. Italy is the last game and I hope to come to the last game with some results.”

Reminded that Italy have yet to beat him as Ireland boss in three attempts – with two World Cup draws and an Irish win in that friendly – Trapattoni preached caution.

“It could be a good situation but also very dangerous if you think about this. Against Italy it is a new game,” insisted Trap.

“Croatia are a strong team with creative players who can achieve the result with individual players.

“Spain are the world champions, they are creative and famous. They have a habit to be at the top of the game in international football and also the league in Spain is very strong.

“That is their habit. But we have habit, we played strong teams like Argentina and I am convinced we can play against the world. I believe our players think so.”

Here's a clip of Giovanni Trapattoni speaking earlier today:

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