The Republic of Ireland soccer team will learn lessons from European Championship upstarts Russia and Turkey, Giovanni Trapattoni insists.
The Italian soccer legend, who took over the top job in Irish soccer in May, said the surprise semi-finalists sent an important message to his own players.
Russia have moved 13 positions to 11th in the FIFA world rankings while Turkey are up six places to 14th after their unexpected performances in Euro 2008.
‘That is a message for our team,’ said Trapattoni, who was in Waterford to launch a regional sports centre.
The 68-year-old, whose backroom team includes former international Liam Brady and World Cup winner Marco Tardelli, suggested Ireland could cause a similar upset in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
‘The last European championship was very important to us, because the famous teams like Italy, France and Holland went out,’ he said.
‘It sends a message very important for us...that there was a big surprise from Turkey and Russia. It's the new situation.’
The veteran coach, who won seven Serie A titles in Italy, said Russia succeeded to the last four in the championship because of their mentality.
‘A good team, with good mentality, it is possible for us. Why not?’ he said.
‘The last European (Championship) showed us that situation.’
