The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed the appointment of Marco Tardelli as assistant manager of the national side.

Giovanni Trapattoni was confirmed as coach of the Republic of Ireland earlier in the week, and now he has drafted in fellow Italian Tardelli as his right-hand man.

FAI president David Blood has confirmed the appointment after successful negotiations with the former Juventus midfielder, who was managed by Trapattoni during his playing days.

"We are delighted that such an experienced coach as Marco Tardelli has agreed to join Giovanni Trapattoni's backroom team," Blood said in a statement.

Tardelli had met with FAI representatives, including chief executive John Delaney, in Milan on Tuesday to agree a two-year contract, a spokesman for the association said.

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