World champions are afraid of Ireland, claims Trapattoni

WHEN Giovanni Trapattoni spoke at his very first press conference as manager of the Republic of Ireland, he likened the prospect of his new charges playing his native Italy to David taking on Goliath.

Now, a year and half into the job, and with the meeting of the two countries in Dublin just one month away, Trapattoni no longer thinks the metaphor holds.

“No, I think they are afraid of us, this is what I hear from Italy,” he said yesterday. “And if we are not missing one or two important players, now we can play at the same level. But I can’t say too much because I don’t want to be jinxed. I pray for no injuries before Italy. I have said to the players to be careful what they do in life because Italy is very important. And they know the importance of this game, they are conscious of it.”