Trapattoni commits to Ireland

Giovanni Trapattoni has been rewarded for leading the Republic of Ireland to UEFA EURO 2012 with a new contract.

Coach Trapattoni and assistants Marco Tardelli and Fausto Rossi have agreed deals with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) running from July 2012 until the end of their FIFA World Cup campaign. The Irish will face Germany, Sweden, Austria, Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands in qualifying.

Under the 72-year-old Italian, appointed in 2008, Ireland reached the 2010 World Cup play-offs, losing to France in extra time, but after a two-legged win against Estonia, they have reached their first major tournament in a decade. The EURO in Poland-Ukraine will be Ireland's first UEFA European Championship finals since their debut in 1988.

"I am very happy to continue my job with the FAI," said Trapattoni, who will discover the Republic's final tournament opponents when the draw is made in Kyiv from 18.00CET on Friday. "Marco and I believe very strongly in the work we are doing to grow and develop the Irish team. It is a huge honour and a privilege to represent the Irish team and we look forward to continuing this important task."

FAI chief executive John Delaney added: "They have done fantastic work with the squad, bringing us to qualification for a major tournament for the first time in ten years, increasing our world ranking to 21st and introducing many new players for the future. Giovanni's experience, professionalism and achievement in qualifying for EURO has impressed everyone, including the players and the FAI board."