Gianfranco Zola says Giovanni Trapattoni will remain a national icon' in Italy even if his Ireland team inflict damage on the Azzurri's World Cup qualifying campaign this weekend.

The 70-year-old, who was recently handed a new contract until 2012 by the Football Association of Ireland, is still revered in Italy following his stunning achievements with both Juventus and Inter Milan.

Now he has transformed a side that were regularly humiliated during Steve Staunton's ill-fated reign. If Ireland beat Italy at Croke Park on Saturday, they will be only a point behind their rivals at the top of Group Eight with one game left to play next Wednesday.

The Irish, who have not reached the finals of a major tournament since 2002, have Montenegro at home in their final match while Italy play host to Cyprus.

Former Italy striker Zola said: “Trapattoni is an icon in Italy and for all those who love football.

“He is very similar to the late Sir Bobby Robson because he is loved and also he knows how to get the most out of his players.

“He represents the best football we had in the 1980s and 1990s and he is still at the top of his game.

“There is a lot of respect for Trapattoni ahead of this match. I am not surprised he has done well with Ireland and it's good they've given him a new deal.

“He is a real legend and Italy will give him a lot of respect. It's a massive game. There is a lot of focus on the national team because we know there is a lot of pressure. The Italians know it will be tough. They respect Ireland a lot and they will be focused.”

Ireland will be without injured Fulham midfielder Damien Duff and Manchester City's stay-away midfielder Stephen Ireland for the match.

In their previous meeting last April, Robbie Keane's late strike ensured Ireland escaped from Bari with a 1-1 draw and Zola believes the Tottenham captain will again provide the biggest threat to the world champions.

“Robbie Keane is a lovely player,” said the West Ham manager, who won 35 caps for Italy. “He scores goals and also provides for others, so he is important for the Irish. He gives the team such balance. He's clever, moves around the pitch a lot and Italy will have to be on top of their game to stop him.”

Meanwhile, Fabio Cannavaro will be interviewed by the Italian Olympic Committee's anti-doping prosecutor today after taking a medicine containing banned substance cortisone.

The Italy captain, who took the medicine in August, had sought an exemption, claiming he was treating a wasp sting. However, the Juventus defender's application was missing documentation and, while awaiting a decision, he was subsequently tested.

Cannavaro is suspended for the Ireland game but is due to return for Wednesday's qualifier against Cyprus.