Republic of Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli has urged the senior players in the squad to stay around for 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, writes Glenn Mason.
There has been widespread speculation captain Robbie Keane, Shay Given, Damien Duff and Richard Dunne will not be around the Ireland set-up when the road to Brazil starts in Kazakhstan in September.
It is understood that a number of that quartet are considering announcing their international retirement in the aftermath of Ireland's final Euro 2012 group game against Italy on Monday.
When asked if he expected retirements after the game, Tardelli said: "I don't know but I hope not because all the players are fit. It is possible for all the players to also play in the next qualification."
There was special praise for Damien Duff who will win his 100th cap in the game in Poznan.
"I think Damien Duff is a very good lad and I think he is a very good player. He has been very important for this team, for the qualification, against France and against the other teams.
"I think we need him for the future because he is a very important person for all the players and the younger players."
Tardelli was speaking after Ireland's final training session at their base in Gdynia.
Richard Dunne sat out the last part of training after taking a knock to his back and John O'Shea left the Municipal Stadium with an ice pack around his ankle and calf.
However, Tardelli insisted that all the players were fit and available for selection on Monday.
It will be the fourth meeting between Italy and Ireland since Tardelli and Giovanni Trapattoni took charge of the Irish senior team in 2008.
The novelty of these occasions has worn off for the 1982 World Cup winner, but he hopes Ireland can maintain their unbeaten run.
A draw or a win for Ireland would condemn Italy to an early exit just like Ireland, but Tardelli insists his loyalty is to his employers and not his native land.
He said: "We play Italy many times and we won and we draw. We hope to win or draw again.
"Italy now in this moment is a very strong because they play very, very well against Spain and I think our players need to be proud to beat this Italian team.
"This match is the fourth match that we have played against Italy. It is normal. I am a professional coach. I work for the FAI."
With nothing to play for but pride, the pressure is off the Irish players and Tardelli believes they will improve on their performances in the opening two games with the fear factor removed.
Tardelli said that there would not be wholesale changes to the line-up despite the clamour for fresh faces and a new approach.
He said: "We must play against Italy with the same player. I think Giovanni may do some changes but not many.
"Yes we play with less pressure. We want to play also the other team with pressure.
"Many players play for the first time in important tournament. I think some players feel nervous or afraid. Against Italy there is no pressure."
