Trapattoni turns attention to Italy clash

The 70-year-old will lead his adopted country into battle with the reigning world champions at Croke Park on October 10 hoping that automatic qualification for next summer's finals in South Africa will still be within their grasp.

He said: "With that result we can think about that, Italy in Dublin. Italy is Italy. At the press conference before the first game in Bari, I said, 'We are David and Italy is Goliath'. I think the same."

Ireland trail the Italians, who won in Georgia on Saturday night, by just a point having played one game more, and Marcello Lippi's men face third-placed Bulgaria in Turin on Wednesday night.

While second place might be a more realistic target for the Republic, who have a five-point advantage over the Bulgarians with Montenegro to follow Italy to Dublin, Trapattoni is relishing the biggest game of his latest football adventure to date.

He added: "Italy is strong, experienced. I know all players, I know they are great, but 90 minutes is 90 minutes.

"I am not presumptuous, but why not? It is possible. Football is like that. Never say never."

Ireland were far from at their best in Nicosia despite getting off to the best possible start when Kevin Doyle rifled home a fifth-minute opener.

Cyprus levelled on the half hour through Marios Elia and although both sides had chances - keeper Sofronis Avgousti pulled off a superb save to deny Glenn Whelan early in the second half - the game looked to be heading for a draw which suited neither.

However, with seven minutes remaining, Keane made a trademark run to the near post to beat Avgousti to Damien Duff's cross and head home the 40th goal of his senior international career to clinch three vital points.