Italy v Republic of Ireland: Italy coach Marcello Lippi will not call up a replacement for injured striker Antonio Di Natale. The Udinese star hurt his knee in Saturday's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win in Montenegro and will miss the Azzurri's midweek clash against the Republic of Ireland.

Lippi has decided to resist calls in the Italian media to include Bari-born striker Antonio Cassano, who played for Italy at Euro 2008 but has not featured in any of Lippi’s squads since he replaced Roberto Donadoni at the helm.

“I will not call anyone in place of Di Natale,” Lippi said. “I would like respect for those players who are not here and for the choices I make.”

Italy football federation president Giancarlo Abete backed Lippi’s decision.

“Lippi has won a World Cup and his choices have to be respected,” he said.

The Azzurri go into the clash against Giovanni Trapattoni’s side looking to consolidate their top spot in Group eight. Last weekend’s 2-0 triumph at Montenegro allowed Italy to climb two points clear of Ireland after five games.

“This is an important game for us,” Lippi said.“The victory in Podgorica (Montenegro) has given the team added confidence and we will try with all our means to win on Wednesday.”

Abete also knows that a victory against Ireland would put the Azzurri in pole position to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

“It is crucial to win against Ireland,” he said. “It would give us a five-point advantage which would be important in view of our remaining four qualifying games.

“A win would mean that our journey to qualify for the World Cup will be almost done.”