IRELAND MANAGER GIOVANNI Trapattoni struck an optimistic note after this evening’s Euro 2012 draw – despite a daunting outcome.
The Boys in Green can look forward to an opening game against Croatia, then a meeting with world and European champions Spain, before a group finale against his home country Italy.
“It’s impossible to say, which group is better,” Trapattoni told RTE’s Tony O’Donoghue after the ceremony in Kiev.
“We have to think about in football, all is possible. Because you can watch England or Spain – we have to play with same mentality.
“All our teams are very difficult. But I am confident.”
And the Italian insisted that he’s happy to take on his home side, despite indicating this week that he’s prefer to avoid the Azzurri.
“I know better Italy but every game is different. I think we have to play against Italy but Spain is not easy either. Spain is the one, the strongest team. We have to think about our moment. It is a good moment with our attitude, mentality. It’s important our squad is complete with out injury.
Ireland will be based in Poland, we now know, making the summer’s adventure a lot easier for travelling fans. And the manager too will now turn to booking a training facility.
“Yes, probably, we choose the city in Poland for the training camp. We are happy to stay here,” he added.