Franco Carraro, the Chairman of the Italian Football Federation, has given a public vote of confidence to Giovanni Trapattoni, the under-fire coach of the Italian national team.

Trapattoni has come in for criticism following Italy’s disappointing second round exit at the World Cup finals. Calls in thepress for his resignation have been made and even senior players such as Alessandro del Piero and Christian Vieri have questioned the tactics employed, suggesting that Italy paid the price for the coach’s negative approach in the far east.

However, Carraro has reiterated his support for Trapattoni.

“He enjoys full confidence from my staff, the fereral council, and I think, all of the supporters,” he said.

“In this moment without the national championship he is the subject of much speculation but a victory over Azerbaijan can resolve everything,’ he added.

‘He might have made some mistakes, but deciding to replace him is something different.”