Lady who whispers in Trap’s ear

SHE’S the country’s second favourite Italian, and Ireland’s No 1 bella donna for football.

But Manuella Spinelli is the same as every Republic of Ireland football fan in her admiration for numero uno, Giovanni Trapattoni.

Trap’s translator comes from the same Milanese area of Italy as the Irish manager, and they struck up a friendship the moment they met in Dublin. She admits to unashamedly seeking out the job when it was confirmed the 72-year-old football legend was to become Republic manager nearly four years ago.