Republic of Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli does not believe Cesare Prandelli’s threat to pull out of Euro 2012 amid the betting scandal.

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli does not believe Cesare Prandelli’s threat to pull out of Euro 2012 amid the betting scandal.

The Azzurri Coach suggested the drastic course of action after Domenico Criscito was dropped due to the investigation into betting and alleged match-fixing.

“No, I don’t think so. Italy are very important,” said Tardelli when asked if Prandelli would go through with it.

“They will be in Poland because there are only some players involved. Not all of football in Italy is involved.

“I am surprised, but maybe sometimes he says some things to pressure the players and the people that are around the team.”

The Republic of Ireland are in Group C with Italy, Spain and Croatia.

“I am very sad but I have lived many times this situation. I know this situation was in 1980, when many players were disqualified.

“We need to clean the situation because if it carries on it is very bad for the football and the Italian people.

“I like to stay out of Italian football in Italy but I want my people recognised for the right reasons. They are honest people.”

Tardelli won the 1982 World Cup for Italy, whose star Paolo Rossi had only just returned from a ban in another betting scandal.

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