Helping the Republic of Ireland reach next summer's World Cup finals would come second only to winning the trophy for Marco Tardelli.
The Italian, who won the competition as a player in 1982, admits a play-off victory over France would come high on his personal list of achievements.
Giovanni Trapattoni's assistant said: 'For me, this qualification would be in second place. The first is winning the World Cup, and the second would be this.'
Qualification would indeed be a remarkable achievement, especially as it would mean the Irish had got there despite being pitched into battle with both reigning champions Italy and the French.
In the circumstances, Tardelli cannot understand why Trapattoni has been branded a negative manager in certain circles.
The 70-year-old has guided his side into their showdown with France by making them difficult to beat, and is confident they can more than give Raymond Domenech's side a run for their money at Croke Park on Saturday evening and then again at the Stade de France next Wednesday.
Tardelli, who played under his compatriot at Juventus, is adamant his approach is based upon respect for the opposition.
He said: 'When I started to play in the Juventus team, we had two strikers, a right winger, a left winger, and we finished the season as the team with the most goals scored and the fewest goals conceded.
'I don't understand why people say that about Giovanni. I don't remember how many titles he won, but I don't understand that.
'Giovanni always prepares for a match with respect to the opponent. Maybe some coaches don't respect the other team, but Giovanni respects always. Maybe this respect is considered defensive.'
Defensive or not, it has certainly proved successful with the Irish having avoided defeat throughout their 10-game Group Eight campaign .
But Tardelli learnt a long time ago not to question Trapattoni's methods.
He said: 'I was a player many, many years ago with Giovanni, but now it is better because when I was a player, I used to argue with him many times.
'But now I understand many things Giovanni told me when I was a player.'
Asked who won those arguments, Tardelli's answer was swift: 'Giovanni.'
There is no dissent within the Ireland camp as management and players set their sights on a goal which would be a remarkable achievement, although that is in stark contrast to what has been going on with their opponents in recent weeks.
Talk of unrest with the French ranks has been rife with Domenech finding himself under intense pressure, while quotes attributed to Real Madrid star Karim Benzema recently suggested international football was far from his main priority.
That, however, is something else Tardelli simply does not understand. He said: 'I don't understand why a player in a national team would say that.
'For me, the national team was the most important thing in my life - after my son and my daughter. A football player has to be very proud to play for his national team.'
