Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is hoping his side can become stronger and 'more cynical' in their final group stage match at Euro2012.

The Italians drew 1-1 with Croatia last night and now need to beat Republic of Ireland and hope Spain beats Croatia in the final Group C matches on Monday in order for them to make it to the quarter-finals.

To do that, Azzurri skipper Buffon feels he and his teammates need a harder edge to get the required result in Gdansk.

"Against Croatia, the performance was there and so was our will to win," Buffon said.

"In the first half we could have done better considering the chances we had to score, but we also have to take into account that we faced a strong side.

"We are disappointed with the draw. We played very well in defence despite conceding a goal. We paid the price for one of the few chances they created.

"We need to be more cynical. In games that are level, such as this one, we cannot give anything away."

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