Italy will be taking their final group game at Euro 2016 against Republic of Ireland seriously, according to Daniele De Rossi.
The Azzurri have already reached the round of 16 and are guaranteed to finish top of their group, having beaten both Belgium and Sweden.
Ireland, on the other hand, need to win to have any chance of joining their opponents in the knockout phase, but De Rossi has ruled out doing them any favours on Wednesday.
"It's not a pointless game for us -- it's wrong to say that," the Roma midfielder told a news conference in Montpellier. "It is very important in all aspects and it's because of this that we're not thinking yet of who we will play in the last 16.
"We have to concentrate on this game as it's important to end the group with nine points, for many reasons, also because those who have not played much yet get to feel they are part of it and get their own satisfaction."
De Rossi insists Italy will be motivated enough to beat Ireland and keep their momentum going, even though he is aware that Martin O'Neill's men are no pushovers.
"The fact that they have all the motivation in the world and we have less could be a problem, but it shouldn't be," he said. "They are renowned for being a team who give everything. We played them in 2012 when they had no points and no chance of going through, but they still gave everything for 90 minutes and caused us problems, and even their fans enjoyed it like it was the final.
"It's beautiful to see this, but you've got to remember that our next game's going to be tough and we don't want to make a mess of this one. As always, they will be physical opponents. The usual Ireland always cause you problems."
Italy coach Antonio Conte is expected to rotate his team significantly with as many as nine changes from the side that started the 1-0 win over Sweden.
Simone Zaza could be one of the players to benefit with a starting berth, and he hopes to give Conte something to think about for the knockout stages with a good performance.
"Certainly I do hope to play from the start against Ireland," the Juventus forward said. "Of course you've got to deserve it, and knowing the coach he will want that every player gives 100 percent even if we're already through. I hope to play to make things hard for him.
"Let's say Conte's given something extra to each one of us; he's given that hunger and determination never to give up, and even if the training sessions are tough, we are all happy to pull our weight because we know it may be the only way for us to do well here. I'm happy, but think I can give a lot more. I'm focused and motivated to do my best here."