Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni admits he'd welcome a return to Juventus.

Earlier this season, Trap rejected the opportunity to have a third stint in charge of the Bianconeri and Alberto Zaccheroni got the post instead.

"All these offers have made me reflect," Trap told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I have arrived at this conclusion: the Trapattoni of today is greater and more prepared than the Trapattoni of 20 years ago."

Asked to explain why he refused Juventus's overtures, he said: "It hasn't been easy. But the directors wanted me for a role that I couldn't cover. I already had a bench [in Ireland].

"Sure, I'd like to return, but with a different job from that of a Coach. When I went back to lead Juventus for a second time I 'only' won the UEFA Cup. I repeat the word 'only'.

"Going back to a place where you have won a lot is never easy. I advise Lippi to look well inside himself before making a decision [on whether to return to Juve or not].

"Marcello knows the club, the directors and the players. And Lippi's intelligence is out of discussion. It's enough to look at his career,"