MARCO TARDELLI will take charge of the Ireland team for tonight’s opening international at the Aviva Stadium, after the FAI said Giovanni Trapattoni would not recover from his suspected food poisoning in time for the tie.

In a statement this morning the FAI said that the 71-year-old Trapattoni’s “progress overnight has been slightly behind expectations, and after being seen by his consultant, he will undergo further investigations, including x-rays this morning.”

Trapattoni’s assistant Tardelli will thus take charge of the Ireland team for tonight’s friendly against Argentina, which is the first time the international side will play at their new home.

Trap was brought to the Mater Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning by the FAI’s team doctor, Dr Alan Byrne, after complaining of vomiting and nausea.

The FAI said Trapattoni had attributed his illness to shellfish he ate in Italy before he left for Dublin.

The Italian’s absence means that neither side tonight will be managed by a full-time head ocoach, with Argentina under the temporary care of Sergio Batista following the departure of Diego Maradona.

The teams for tonight’s game have meanwhile been finalised and will line out as follows.

Ireland (4-4-2): Given; McShane, Dunne, O’Shea, Kilbane; Fahey, Andrews, Green, Duff; Doyle, Keane.

Argentina (4-3-3): Romero; Burdisso, Demichelis, Samuel, Heinze; Banega, Mascherano, Gago; Di María, Higuaín, Messi.