Putting the boot in: Andrews punted the ball into the crowd after being sent off

But the capitulation in their first appearance in the European Championships since 1988 has clearly hit the most senior players hard and off-the-field distractions of key FAI officials cannot have helped morale in the squad.

Trapattoni’s rigid system, his failure to change formations or players and the repetitive training sessions have also drained the emotions of a squad who may have expected more from such an  experienced finals coach.

Trapattoni insisted that players must be given more time to let their Euro wounds heal before deciding on their futures ahead of the qualifying campaign for the World Cup in Brazil in two years.

He said: ‘It is too early. I spoke just now with one or two [of them] and we will see them in the next friendly game [against Serbia]. They smiled but they are disappointed at the moment because the words are in the air and they will wait.

‘I am sure I will speak with them. Maybe one or two will go, not more. I can understand their disappointment because we had more hope to do better but today they played well, as [Italy boss Cesare] Prandelli said we gave them a tough game.

‘I have had many successes, the willingness to begin again is there because I am sure we have energy in this new squad and we can do better. I wait to start again with the new season.’

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