Giovanni Trapattoni’s job as manager of the Italian national team is safe.

The Italian Soccer Federation today gave Trapattoni their approval to continue in his role as head of the national side.

Trapattoni, 63, came under criticism after his team’s poor performances in the World Cup. Italy, one of the favourites to win the tournament, only scraped through to the second round before being knocked out by South Korea.

After that defeat Trapattoni told reporters: “I don’t intend to resign, actually I looking forward to the Eurpoean Championship with a lot of enthusiasm.”

Many argued that refereeing blunders were to blame for the defeat by co-hosts, and eventual semi-finalists, South Korea. However, some players are known to have voiced their concerns over the Trapatonni’s game plan.

Only yesterday Cristian Vieri criticized his team’s cautious tactics when he said: “We need to change mentality. Today in Italy we play badly, we produce ugly football.”

Vieri, Italy’s all-time joint top scorer in World Cup finals with nine goals, went on to describe the English and Spanish leagues as more entertaining. His comments are sure to fuel rumours of a possible move to Real Madrid.