Giovanni Trapattoni Parts Company With Republic Of Ireland

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Italian had failed to guide the Emerald Isle to next summer’s World Cup. 

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Veteran Republic of Ireland head coach Giovanni Trapattoni has decided to leave his post following Tuesday night’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Austria in Vienna that all but ended the country’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil, according to reports in the Daily Mail.

The defeat at the Ernst Happel Stadion meant that the Republic only had a mathematical chance of catching second-placed Sweden in the group standings and thereby qualifying for a playoff in November on the road to Rio.

And Tuesday’s limp display in the Austrian capital follows hot on the heels of Friday night’s 2-1 loss to the Swedes in Dublin that was equally damaging to the Republic’s hopes of being in South America next summer.

The 74-year-old, and his assistant coach Marco Tardelli, have both left their respective roles by mutual consent, with former Leicester City, Glasgow Celtic, Aston Villa and Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill being immediately installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to take over from the Italian for the remainder of the qualifying campaign and beyond.

“We leave this country with emotion because we understand the Irish supporters who have a well-deserved international reputation and they have our utmost respect,” said Trapattoni in a statement released after his departure.

“I would like to thank [FAI chief executive] John Delaney, [president] Paddy McCaul, [honorary secretary] Michael Cody and the FAI Board for their support and friendship over the last five and a half years.

“I would also want to thank all FAI staff members, including the backroom team and the players, who have been great to work with during the last three campaigns.

“I wish them well in the future and hope that the job we have done leaves everything in a good place for my successor to take over.”

Trapattoni was in charge of the Republic for five years, during which time he qualified the country for Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland in what was their first appearance in the finals of a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup.

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