Trapattoni confirms Ireland job

Former Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni will take charge of the Republic of Ireland's bid to reach the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa after his appointment was confirmed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
The seven-time Serie A winner earlier confirmed he would be taking the job as successor to Steve Staunton, who was sacked last October having failed to bring Ireland to the finals of Euro 2008.
The FAI's 10-member board ratified the appointment hours after Trapattoni confirmed he would be leaving Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg.
The 68-year-old will take up his position on May 1st, in time for Ireland's friendly in Dublin against Serbia. While another friendly may be arranged in the interim his first competitive match in charge will be away to Georgia in September.
Trapattoni will also face his native Italy - who he managed for four years - in World Cup Group 8 which also features Bulgaria, Cyprus and Montenegro.