Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says he has some way to go to matching one of his idols.

Prandelli hails Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, having worked with him for six years, ahead of Italy's friendly on today.

"Trapattoni is a very special person for me and in many aspects beyond reach," said the Azzurri boss. The game will be played on neutral turf in the Belgian city of Liege.

"In our six years together at Juventus, I learned so much from him in terms of football and also humanity. What he taught me has been very useful during my management career."