Bari will be ‘emotional’ for converted boss

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI has admitted that Ireland’s game against his homeland in Bari on April 1 will be an emotional occasion for him.

“I had many, many (Italian) people contacting me after that draw was made,” he said. “And they all told me the same: that it is not so important Ireland wins these games!

“Honestly though, I was very happy; I consider myself lucky to be facing Italy. It’s an honour. It will be a strange situation for me because I am a proud Italian, but I am also a professional and very proud to be coach of the Irish national team, so it will be no problem. But I do expect that I will be a little emotional when the national anthems are played.”