A day after Ireland’s Euro 2012 luck ran out with a decidedly tricky group draw, boss Giovanni Trapattoni has said that he wishes Ireland didn’t have to face his Italian countrymen.
With a group that consists of FIFA ranking-wise, the 1st (Spain), 8th (Croatia) and 9th (Italy) best teams in the world, Trap is understandably a little wary of his forthcoming opposition, particularly the Italians.
“I wanted to avoid Italy because they are strong mentally and because we know each other,” he said last night. “We knew we had to face strong opponents and I hope we don’t do ourselves harm and that we get to June 18 in a calm way.
“I must convince my players it will be another game. They may prepare better.”
Trap was in much better spirits when he spoke of his joy in managing Ireland, however, particularly following his contract extension with the FAI this week.
“I really love my job and it will give me huge satisfaction to take Ireland to a Finals,” he said.
“It shows that when you are really well organised and have real self-belief you can do it, even with smaller countries. Everybody on the Irish team is looking forward to bringing our football and our style to the tournament.”
Hmm… we’re not sure the world will be too enamoured with our ultra-defensive ‘style’ but if it gets the job done in Poland next summer, we certainly won’t be complaining.
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