Irish slay Italy

Italy midfielder Riccardo Montolivo (C) tries to find his way between a host of Irish players during their friendly in Liege on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni put one over his compatriots on Tuesday as his side beat a largely-dominant Italy 2-0 in a friendly here.
However, while the Italians wasted what few chances came their way the Irish scored with both theirs through Keith Andrews in the 35th minute and then Simon Cox added a second on the stroke of full-time.
Both Trapattoni and his Italian counterpart Cesare Prandelli opted to rest several of their first choice players after they won their respective Euro 2012 qualifiers at the weekend.
Trapattoni, one of the most successful club coaches of all time but who failed to reproduce that in a four year spell as Italy coach, was delighted with his side's display.
"We showed a really good mental attitude," said the 72-year-old.
"We really wanted this win. It is just how I like to see my players perform.
"Italy had the majority of the possession, combined well but my players showed the necessary discipline.
"Football is not just about the 'show', it is also and maybe even more so the achievement of ones goals," added Trapattoni, who is one of only two coaches to win league titles in four different countries.
Prandelli for his part was disappointed by his side's performance.
"My team took a step backwards this evening," said Prandelli, who replaced Marcello Lippi after the 'azzurri' woeful defence of their world title last year when they went out in the group stage.
"The players forgot one essential thing: in order for one's individuality to shine you have to play as a team.
"Today, my boys did quite the opposite. Each one of them tried to find the answer on his own. And we saw what the result of that was," added the 53-year-old.