Italy coach Marcello Lippi will ensure his side do not underestimate the Republic of Ireland in Bari tomorrow night and insisted today that Giovanni Trapattoni’s side are the only team capable of challenging the world champions for top spot in Group Eight.

The teams are separated by two points in their quest to qualify for South Africa 2010 after leaders Italy beat Montenegro at the weekend and Ireland drew at home to Bulgaria.

Lippi will not be basing his preparation on the Croke Park performance, however, instead choosing to focus on the progress made under his compatriot in the campaign thus far.

“Ireland is the only team that can battle with us for the top position,” said the Italian. “We cannot evaluate them on the basis of their home draw against Bulgaria at the weekend but rather for what they have been able to do so far in qualifying.”

On his opposite number, he added: “As for Trapattoni, he is the image of sport. He is the point of reference of our football, because of his experience, victories, the enthusiasm he has at 70.”

While Trapattoni awaits news on the fitness of winger Aiden McGeady, Lippi has injury concerns of his own, with strikers Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino and Antonio di Natale all missing.

Lippi looks set to start with Giampaolo Pazzini, Giuseppe Rossi and Simone Pepe in the clash at the San Nicola Stadium.

Sampdoria striker Pazzini is expected to earn his first start after scoring on his national team debut away to Montenegro in Saturday’s 2-0 win.

Villarreal striker Rossi, who did not appear in the Podgorica game at the weekend, is eager to show what he can do in the national team shirt.

“If I play, I will try to give my best for the team and do the right thing,” said Rossi. “In my case, as a striker, that would be either to score or help a team-mate by giving the right assist.”

Victory would give Group Eight leaders Italy 16 points with four qualifying games remaining and would effectively rule Ireland out of the race for top spot.

A point, however, would keep them in the hunt with the visit of Italy to Dublin to come.

Rossi believes it will be a tough encounter but reckons “quality” will tell in the end.

“We will go out on the pitch calm and aware that we have an important opportunity,” he said. “We know it’s going to be a difficult game.

“Ireland is a team that battles and fights but we hope to show our quality and consolidate our top position.”