by Glenn Mason
The Republic of Ireland players will be in tournament mode even before Euro 2012 kicks off, according to assistant manager Marco Tardelli.
Tardelli said that Monday evening's friendly with Hungary in Budapest is when the players' attitudes will change and their minds will focus on the challenges ahead.
He said: "The players now are relaxed, but I think when we go Hungary it's possible to change some things in our mentality.
"It's a very important match for us because it's the start. Against Hungary, it will be a very, very important match because the players will start to focus very, very strongly for Poland.
"For us, it was important that the players recover their strength. In this moment, I think the players are good. They understand what we want."
The team regarded as Giovanni Trapattoni's first choice lined up in a training match in Tuscany today, but Tardelli refused to say if that would be the team that starts on Monday.
He would only confirm that all players were fit and available for selection and said there were no problems with David Forde's fitness despite strapping on his leg.
Ireland have been missing from the major tournament scene for a decade and just three of the squad, Shay Given, Robbie Keane and Damien Duff, have played tournament football.
Tardelli believes, however, that the squad has enough experience to deal with the pressure that comes with games of that significance.
He said: "We know our players are very good and have good experience.
"The older players can help the younger players, and if the players are fit, we think it is possible to do something."
The latest scandal damaging Italian football has left Tardelli saddened, but he is not taken in by comments from Italian manager Cesare Prandelli that the Azzurri could withdraw from Euro 2012.
Nor does the 1982 World Cup winner believe that Italy's difficulty is Ireland's opportunity. Instead, he pointed out that the Italian players will only be focused on what happens on the pitch.
"I don't think so. Italy is very important," he said when asked if Italy might withdraw.
"They will be in Poland because there only are some players. Not all of football in Italy is involved.
"I am surprised (by Prandelli's comments), but maybe sometimes Prandelli says some things for to pressure the players and the people that are around the team.
"I am very sad but I have lived many times this situation. I know this situation was in 1980, when many players were disqualified.
"We need to clean the situation because if we carry on with this situation it is very bad for the football and the Italian people.
"I like to stay out of Italian football in Italy but I want that my people are recognised for the right reasons. They are honest people."
