Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is still held in high regard by the Azzuri players.

Italy will come up against Trapattoni on Saturday when the teams meet for the second time in World Cup qualifying for South Africa 2010.

"It's going to be nice to see Trapattoni again," said Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie.

"He was the first coach to believe in me, to give me a call-up and to make me play.

"If we go to Ireland for the crucial game, it means that Trapattoni and his team have done an exceptional qualifying campaign."

Trapattoni coached Italy at the 2002 World Cup and at Euro 2004 but on each occasion they made an early exit.

However he has the full respect of Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

"He is a coach that has done so many great things in his career," De Rossi said. "Now he has taken Ireland to high levels. He has always achieved results."

All that both teams will be concerned with is getting points in Dublin.

One will be enough for Italy to clinch first place in Group Eight and book a place at the World Cup, while Ireland can cut the Italians' lead to just one point if they upset the Azzurri and win the match.

"While for Ireland this is the last chance, for us it isn't," De Rossi said.

"If we were to achieve qualification in the last game against Cyprus, it doesn't mean that it would be less deserved."

Italy have played in some hostile atmospheres in previous qualifying campaigns.

The Azzurri beat Scotland 2-1 in a tension-packed match at Hampden Park two years ago en route to qualifying for Euro 2008.

"The atmosphere in Dublin will be similar to the one we experienced in Scotland," De Rossi said. "We know that the stadium will be packed."

Italy are hoping to have Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio available, however he is doubtful due to a left knee injury.

The Azzurri will certainly be without captain Fabio Cannavaro, who serves a one-match ban.

The world champions end their qualifying group campaign against Cyprus on Wednesday in Parma while Ireland host Montenegro.