Former Inter Milan coach Marco Tardelli has confirmed that he will be among Giovanni Trapattoni's assistants when the Italian takes over as Ireland coach in May.

"I'm happy about this new adventure and about being reunited with Trap," said Tardelli, who played under Trapattoni at Juventus in the 1970s and 80s.
   
"I'm stimulated by the idea of having to face Italy (in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers). Giovanni and I have a great desire to do well.
   
"And I like the idea of being for Trapattoni what (Carlos) Queiroz is for Alex Ferguson at Manchester United."
   
Nobody at the FAI was immediately available to comment on Tardelli's remarks this evening.
   
Ireland have been drawn with world champions Italy, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia and Montenegro in qualifying Group 8 for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
   
Tardelli was a member of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning team, and as a coach Tardelli led the Italian Under-21 side to victory at the 2000 European championships.
   
He subsequently had unsuccessful stints with Inter, Bari and Arezzo in the Italian second division and Egypt's national team.
   
Former Ireland midfielder Liam Brady, who played with Tardelli at Juventus, is also considering working in the new set up with ex-Italy manager Trapattoni.