Trap: I turned down Juve

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed he turned down a move to Juventus earlier this year.

The 71-year-old claims he was sounded out about replacing Ciro Ferrara, who was sacked at the end of January after a poor run of results, before the Turin club appointed Alberto Zaccheroni until the end of the season.

“With a heavy heart I turned it down because it was impossible for me to be involved in a national team and club football,” Trapattoni told Italian television station Italia 1.

“It would not have been a serious option.”

Trapattoni, who guided Juve for a total of 13 years over two spells, became Republic boss in 2008.

Ireland, who finished runners-up to Italy in their World Cup qualifying group, missed out on a place in South Africa in a play-off against France last November.

Trapattoni is under contract with Ireland until the 2012 European Championships.