Faraway hills are green

Montecatini last night literally rolled out the green carpet, as Giovanni Trapattoni, Marco Tardelli and the Ireland squad were formally welcomed to this beautiful Tuscan spa town, the reception committee including the Lord Mayor Giuseppi Bellandi and the reigning Miss Italy Stefania Bivone.

“We are delighted to host a nation as proud as that of Ireland,” said Bellandi, kicking off a succession of tributes. “And we are lucky the coach of the Irish team is a beloved man in Italian sport and a unique person.”

Trapattoni seemed genuinely moved. “I got a little bit emotional listening to some of things that were said,” he admitted. “I seem to be getting a bit sensitive these days. I and the team appreciate the welcome very much and are glad to be training here for the week.’’