Trapattoni confirmed as new manager

The FAI has officially confirmed Giovanni Trapattoni as the new manager of the Republic of Ireland.

At a press conference at the FAI headquarters in Abbotstown in Dublin, the FAI said Trapattoni will take over on 1 May when his contract with Red Bull Salzburg ends.

Trapattoni will take charge of the Republic of Ireland in time for the friendly against Serbia at Croke Park on 24 May.

The FAI said it had concluded the contract talks with the Italian's lawyers in Milan yesterday.

The Chief Executive of the FAI, John Delaney, also revealed that businessman Denis O'Brien offered financial assistance to the association to attract a top-class manager and the offer was accepted by the FAI.

Delaney said that there are no strings attached to the offer, which will see O'Brien pick up half the overall cost for the new management team over the two years.

Giovanni Trapattoni Profile - Click Here

Earlier today, Trapattoni posted a positive statement of intent by vowing to lead the Republic of Ireland to the 2010 World Cup finals.

Trapattoni is confident Ireland can not only end their barren run of failing to reach the last three major tournaments, but even top the group.

'Ireland are not a second-rate team, they are supposed to be a first-rate team,' insisted Trapattoni, who previously managed Italy from 2000 to 2004.

'Qualifying for the World Cup in 2010 will be hard, and playing against the Italian team will make me proud, but it should be possible for Ireland to come first.'

Despite the number of candidates mentioned and interviewed for the post by a three-man head-hunting panel, Trapattoni has confirmed he was not approached until earlier this month.

Although his CV in club management is impeccable - featuring numerous league titles and trophies with Juventus, Internazionale, Bayern Munich, Benfica and Salzburg - Trapattoni has insisted it is for family reasons that he has returned to international football.

'This is the time in a year when football managers receive offers, and this is what has happened to me,' added Trapattoni.

'In the last two weeks I received offers from various clubs, and about 10 days ago representatives of the Football Association of Ireland approached me. I found their offer very interesting.

'I am very comfortable here in Salzburg. We won the Austrian title last year and we have a great chance to win the title again this year.

'Leaving the title as a farewell present to my Bulls is now my number one aim.

'But the opportunity to manage the Irish team will give me a lot more time to spend with my family.

'Yesterday my lawyers in Milan and representatives of the FAI came to an agreement and I accepted their offer.'

It is anticipated Trapattoni will appoint former Italy defender Claudio Gentile as his assistant, and take fitness coach Fausto Rossi with him from Salzburg.

Giles happy with appointment

Johnny Giles is hopeful Trapattoni's greatness will rub off on the Republic of Ireland.

The Republic have been in the doldrums of late as they have failed to qualify for the last three major championships.

The FAI's coup has certainly caused a stir, but he is the right man - and long overdue - as far as many of Ireland's legends and pundits are concerned.

'You always hope you get someone like that,' remarked Giles, who managed the Republic throughout most of the 1970s.

'At the start of the process Trapattoni didn't seem to be in the frame at all, but I think it's great he's come in late and all's well that ends well.

'He's an experienced man and he's been a great manager over the years, and hopefully he'll be a great manager for us now.'