Prandelli confirmed as next Italy boss

30 May 2010 21:59

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli has signed a four-year contract to take over as Italy boss when Marcello Lippi steps down after this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Italian football federation president Giancarlo Abete was given permission by the Serie A club earlier this month to talk to Prandelli, and the two men met in Rome on Sunday to discuss the matter before reaching a positive conclusion.

"Cesare Prandelli will take over the bench from coach Marcello Lippi after the World Cup in South Africa," an FIGC statement released on Sunday afternoon confirmed.

"President Abete has confirmed on Sunday morning, in a meeting that was held in Roma, the contract with the next coach of the national team, after the decision of Lippi to leave his post.

"The FIGC and Cesare Prandelli have agreed a contract for four years. The details of the deal will be defined in the coming days.

"The official presentation of the new coach will be at the end of World Cup."

Lippi stepped down as Azzurri coach after leading the team to World Cup glory in Germany four years ago, but resumed the role two years ago.

The 62-year-old will again leave his post after this summer's showpiece event in South Africa, and believes the federation have got the right man in Prandelli to replace him.

"I told president Abete at Christmas that I intended to finish these two years and then leave," Lippi said.

"Prandelli is the right person in the right place, but we will talk about this more in depth in the future."

Source: PA