Trapattoni tempted by Vatican hot seat

FROM the Hand of Gaul to the Hand Of God – Giovanni Trapattoni has said that he would one day like to manage the Vatican City football team.

The Ireland manager, who is regularly linked with a host of international football jobs, revealed that he has already been approached about taking up the position but reckons it’s a task best left for his retirement.

“I have been asked to coach the Vatican national side but I am currently working for Ireland,” he told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. “But when I retire, I would like to.”

Vatican City is not a member of FIFA but the team did draw 0-0 with Monaco in an international match in 2006. The side, which regularly plays friendly games against a variety of club and representative opponents, is drawn from the ranks of the Swiss Guards, Vatican museum guards and members of the Papal Council.

Trapattoni made his remarks as a guest at the launch of the fourth Clericus Cup – in the grand tradition of ‘Fr Ted’, a tournament for priests and trainee priests – which kicks off in Rome today. Quite what Trap’s tactics would be as coach of The Pope’s hometown side are unclear, but our bet is on a winger and a prayer.

Perhaps we will find out more in Dublin on Monday when the Italian is due to announce his Irish squad for next month’s friendly against Brazil.