Trap’s sister to be laid to rest today

Sister Romilde Trapattoni, the sister of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, will be laid to rest in Milan today.

FAI honorary secretary Michael Cody will represent the association at the funeral of the 81-year-old nun, who passed away in the early hours of Monday morning after a long illness.

Giovanni Trapattoni was forced to cancel a scheduled press conference in Dublin yesterday, although he did make himself available by telephone to give the media details of his squad for the February 6 friendly game against Poland at the Aviva Stadium.

“I am sorry that I couldn’t make it to Dublin to announce the squad for the Poland game next month,” said Trapattoni. “It is important I stay in Italy with family at this time after the passing of my sister.”

The FAI offered “sincere condolences to Giovanni and his family”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.”