Trapattoni feels more of a priest than coach

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni says dealing with the fragile feelings of his players makes his work seem closer to that of a priest than a football coach.

Trapattoni appears to have settled on his starting line-up for tomorrow's Group C opener against Denmark with the expected 11 taking part in Friday's training match against a Portuguese youth team.

As well as motivating those who are set to take the field, Trapattoni said he also had to think about the squad members who would not be playing.

"I am more of a priest than a coach, going to every room and talking to those who are playing and those who aren't. Today that sort of work is more important than 15 years ago," he said.

The deeply religious Trap conceded he too was having trouble in making his choices given the impressive form in training of several of those not expected to make the team sheet. Asked whether he felt he needed to employ a psychologist to help his work with the team he said: "You need a psychologist-coach."