POLAND and Ukraine might be the destinations uppermost in everyone’s mind — and success or failure in getting Ireland to the Euro finals will surely decide his future as national team manager — but Giovanni Trapattoni has admitted that he already has one eye on a trip to Brazil in three years’ time.

MATTEO MANASSERO, the player tipped to be Europe’s next golfing great, officially became a professional yesterday, two weeks after his 17th birthday and three days before he plays his home Italian Open.

Liam Brady is convinced the Republic of Ireland have got world champions Italy worried simply because of their choice of venue for Wednesday night’s qualifier.

EARLY ON in our interview at a Dublin hotel, Marco Tardelli offers an apology.

Newport-Gwent Dragons 18 Ospreys 10

ITALY have threatened to withdraw from this year’s rugby World Cup on the basis that they are being unfairly treated.

Italy coach Brad Johnstone does not know if he will keep his job, after England beat them 45-9.

Former Italian captain Alessandro Troncon has been banned for 21 days following his dismissal in last weekend’s Six Nations Championship clash against Ireland.