Tardelli to be Republic assistant

Tardelli scored in Italy's victory in the 1982 World Cup final

The FAI has confirmed that former Italy star Marco Tardelli is to become assistant manager to new Republic of Ireland team boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

Tardelli, 53, who went on to coach Inter Milan, played under Trapattoni at Juventus in the 1970s and 80s.

"Giovanni and I have a great desire to do well," Tardelli told an Italian radio station.

"I like the idea of being for Giovanni what Carlos Queiroz is for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United."

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Tardelli was in the Italy side which won the World Cup in Spain in 1982 and scored the second goal in their 3-1 victory over West Germany.

As a coach he led the Italian Under-21 side to victory at the 2000 European Championship.

He then had spells in charge of Inter, Bari and Arezzo in Italy, and Egypt's national team.

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Brady, who played with Tardelli at Juventus, is also considering working in the new set-up.