GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI HAS moved to play down assumptions among Irish supporters that the upcoming tie against Estonia will be an easy game.
87% of voters tipped Ireland to beat Estonia in a recent Score.ie poll, with a further 22% saying Trapattoni’s side would win comfortably over the two legs.
Trapattoni, though, has urged caution ahead of the tie, which the FAI believe could net them a figure in the region of €8m should Ireland successfully progress to the Euro 2012 finals this summer.
And speaking to reporters after the draw was announced, the manager said:
“These matches are like cup finals and anything can happen. Undoubtedly, the small advantage that we do have, is that we are playing the second game at home. Let’s not delude ourselves that we have made it the finals already. We have two tough matches ahead.”
Trapattoni said that he had already spoken to Italy coach Cesare Prandelli about Estonia, as Prandelli’s side were in their Euro 2012 qualifying group.
The Italian added that he was still unsure if the FAI would offer him a new contract, with his existing deal due to run out at the end of the European Championships.