Italy coach Marcello Lippi gave few clues about his line-up for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Lippi is without the suspended Fabio Cannavaro and injured Claudio Marchisio for the Group Eight showdown at Croke Park.

When asked whether he will field a 4-2-3-1 formation on Saturday, Lippi said: "4-2-3-1? Is that the (telephone) code for Dublin?"

The Azzurri need just one point to qualify for the World Cup and Lippi has urged his players to deliver this weekend.

The world champions lead the group four points clear of second-place Ireland with two games remaining.

"There's a big difference between qualifying for the World Cup tomorrow or on Wednesday against Cyprus," Lippi said.

"I want us to qualify tomorrow and not only for superstitious reasons.

"There are two results out of a possible three that will benefit us in Dublin."

Lippi insisted his team, that remain unbeaten in qualifying, will play for the victory.

"We need a point but it will be a mistake to play for the draw," he said. "We have to play our game."

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is well aware his side will be tested by Giovanni Trapattoni's men.

"We will meet a rival that will combat," he said. "They will make life difficult for us at certain stages of the game and we must be ready and show plenty of character.

"To qualify on Saturday would give us a lot of joy."

The world champions end their qualifying campaign against Cyprus in Parma next Wednesday.

Giorgio Chiellini is expected to replace Cannavaro and partner Nicola Legrottaglie in central defence.

Angelo Palombo will take Marchisio's place in midfield and team up with Daniele De Rossi.

Andrea Pirlo, Mauro Camoranesi and Antonio Di Natale are set to play in support of Juventus forward Vincenzo Iaquinta.