By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport,Cairo

Tardelli has been under fire for picking an Italian assistant

The decision of Egypt's FA to appoint Italian Marco Tardelli as national coach has provoked a storm of criticism in the Egyptian media.

The 49-year-old, who became the first Italian to take charge of the Pharaohs, was described as "inexperienced and unqualified" by many newspapers.

While his sterling career as a player has not been questioned, Tardelli's coaching career, which has includes stints at Inter Milan and Bari, has failed to impress.

The decision of the 1982 World Cup winner to pick Luca Giannini as his assistant, in preference to caretaker manager Fathy Mabrouk, has done little to win him popularity.

It has been customary for foreign coaches to work with a very strong Egyptian assistant and Tardelli's decision bucks the trend.

With many expecting him to hand the country their first World Cup ticket since the 1990 finals in Italy, Tardelli promised to do his best.

But he has refused to make any firm promises.

"I am not a magician, I am just a football coach," he stated.

Sound choice

Viken Djizmedjian, Caf's former director of communications and now Egyptian FA board member, has insisted that the selection of Tardelli was not a mistake.

"We studied the history of the nominees and even interviewed some of them.

"We believe he was the best choice," Djizmedjian stated.

Luca Giannini [right] will assist Tardelli

He believes Tardelli has something to prove and is determined to make a success of the biggest job of his coaching career.

"He looks forward to the challenge of taking Egypt to the World Cup.

"He has got the potential but needs our support," Djizmedjian said.