Italians rejoice at move of a legend to Ireland

“NOW we’ve conquered the British Isles,” said a happy Fabio Capello, enjoying a winter break on his favourite Mediterranean island, Pantelleria.

“My feelings and respect for Giovanni Trapattoni are even greater than before.”

With two of Italy’s most famous technicians now in charge of England and Ireland, the football websites were buzzing. The Italians have a soft spot for the Irish, and naturally they are proud for one of their own.

“The Irish are fantastic people, they deserve the best coach,” wrote one.

“Let’s paint Irish skies blue!” said another.

Fans of Milan, where Trapattoni won the European Cup as a player, and Juventus, where he won it as a coach, joined forces to wish him well.

“Always in our hearts” was the message from one Juve fan. “A man, a legend — it’s a challenge, but he’s afraid of nothing.”

Some people were definitely getting carried away. One fan compared Trapattoni to that great national icon, Garibaldi, known as the “hero of two worlds”: “Trap has been right round Europe, always doing well and winning trophies where it was considered impossible. It’s a shame he had that sad interlude as coach of Italy — how nice it will be to support Trap and his Ireland in the qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup.”

Italy’s daily paper, the Gazzetta dello Sport, was running an internet poll last night, asking: Have Ireland done the right thing in appointing Trapattoni?

With over 10,000 votes cast, 73% thought the decision was a good one. If there are doubts they mostly concern Trapattoni’s age, and the fact that his Italy team failed to make an impact in the finals of the 2002 World Cup and the 2004 European Championships. The other issue is how the Irish will take to the Italian approach.

A Fiorentina supporter commented: “He’s the ideal coach for Ireland, he’s methodical and he’ll give them a good tactical shape. He knows all aboutdefending and with the physical strength and determination that Ireland have they will become very hard to beat.”

“But will the Irish accept the idea that the game should be played on the ground?” asked another.

“You need more than crosses, headers, high tempo and character to win things — and it’s going to be hard to adjust that mentality. There are those who anticipate that Trapattoni will field an 8-1-1 formation when Ireland play Italy, and others predicting that “he can get Ireland to qualify, but they won’t like his style of play.”

But the Italians in Ireland are definitely looking forward to his arrival.

“Uncle Giovanni we’re waiting for you” was the message from one in Dublin.

“You’ll preach the same football that you’ve always produced. Don’t forget the umbrella.”