The Juventus man doesn't want Group C's other clash between Croatia and Spain to distract his team-mates as they look to secure passage into the quarters.
Giorgio Chiellini believes that if Italy want to advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, first they must forget about what may arise in Monday's other Group C clash between Croatia and Spain, and concentrate exclusively on beating the Republic of Ireland, and if possible by a healthy score tally.
Should Croatia and Spain fight out a 2-2 draw or higher, Italy would bow out from the competition, but Chiellini doesn't want to even think about this, but about their upcoming clash against the already-eliminated Irish.
"We should focus only on Ireland. Maybe you see it differently from the outside, but our only objective is to win and to not think about good luck, bad luck or anything else," Chiellini stated to reporters during the pre-game press conference.
The Juventus defender, admitted that the Azzurri made mistakes in their first two group games, against Spain and Croatia, but he is convinced that their fortune could change on Monday.
"We played two games against excellent teams and must simply improve on those few mistakes we made at the front and also at the back. If we win, then a whole new tournament can begin for us."
According to reports Italy boss Cesare Prandelli could switch from his usual 3-5-2 formation to a 4-3-1-2 formation to confront the clash with Ireland, but although this may occur, Chiellini doesn't believe that it will affect him at all.
"It is all the same for me. In previous years I almost always played in a four-man defence. I have had a long career and we've all played in various systems, so we have already shown our versatility. The important thing is to remain balanced," he affirmed.
Italy, who still remain unbeaten in twelve competitive matches since Prandelli's appointment, will come into their final group game with Ireland as the odds on favourites, even if they will be pressured to perform.
Should Croatia and Spain fight out a 2-2 draw or higher, Italy would bow out from the competition, but Chiellini doesn't want to even think about this, but about their upcoming clash against the already-eliminated Irish.
"We should focus only on Ireland. Maybe you see it differently from the outside, but our only objective is to win and to not think about good luck, bad luck or anything else," Chiellini stated to reporters during the pre-game press conference.
The Juventus defender, admitted that the Azzurri made mistakes in their first two group games, against Spain and Croatia, but he is convinced that their fortune could change on Monday.
"We played two games against excellent teams and must simply improve on those few mistakes we made at the front and also at the back. If we win, then a whole new tournament can begin for us."
According to reports Italy boss Cesare Prandelli could switch from his usual 3-5-2 formation to a 4-3-1-2 formation to confront the clash with Ireland, but although this may occur, Chiellini doesn't believe that it will affect him at all.
"It is all the same for me. In previous years I almost always played in a four-man defence. I have had a long career and we've all played in various systems, so we have already shown our versatility. The important thing is to remain balanced," he affirmed.
Italy, who still remain unbeaten in twelve competitive matches since Prandelli's appointment, will come into their final group game with Ireland as the odds on favourites, even if they will be pressured to perform.
