Casiraghi urges Italy to believe

Former Italy striker Pierluigi Casiraghi is confident his country will qualify for the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.

Cesare Prandelli’s side have drawn both of their games at Euro 2012, and need to beat the Republic of Ireland in their final group game on Monday and hope Croatia are beaten by Spain to progress.

Despite leaving it to the last game to assure their passage to the next round, the ex-Chelsea striker feels the side will make the quarter-finals.

“The Azzurri must believe in qualification,” Casiraghi Radio Mana Mana Sport.

“Italy must beat Ireland and then see what the result is in the other game.

“Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland don’t look that good, while Spain are clearly better than Croatia. Spain will play their natural game and both sides will target the win.

“The game (1-1 draw) against Croatia left a bitter taste in the mouth. However, there is still one match to go and nothing has been compromised.”