Milan, Sep 9 (IANS): Former Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni admitted that the current side lacks a star player like Argentina skipper Lionel Messi or Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Antonio Conte's side could only manage unconvincing 1-0 wins over Malta and Bulgaria respectively in their most recent Euro 2016 qualifiers but they remain top of group H by two points with two games to play.

Trapattoni has no doubt that Italy will be among the leading contenders at the finals in Euro 2016 in France.

"We have to start a game with the assumption that we don't have a Messi or a Cristiano Ronaldo, and be content with what is available. We have a precise identity and play with great spirit," Trapattoni Awas quoted as saying by tuttosport on Tuesday.

"Against Malta and Bulgaria, I saw players chasing their opponents for 80 metres. We've taken six points that bring us closer to first place in a very even group," he said.

Trapattoni remained optimistic regarding his former team's chances in Euro 2016.

"I'm sure we'll be a leading protagonist at Euro 2016, as ever. The critics have been exaggerating but this is something normal," Trapattoni said.