FIGC chief confirms Prandelli as new Italy coach

(GSM) – Italian Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete confirms that Florentina boss Cesare Prandelli will be the new Italy Coach.

Italy manager Marcello Lippi hints he will step down from the post for a second time after this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

“We will respect the pledge that we made and nominate the next tactician before June 8, in fact probably a few days earlier,” Abete told Sky Italia television.

“Prandelli has just returned from the club tour in Canada, so I don’t know when we will meet, but his salute to the fans and the comments coming out of Fiorentina have laid the groundwork,” he said.

Fiorentina vice-president Mario Cognigni said that they will not stand in Cesare Prandelli’s way if he decides to accept an offer to coach Italy.

“I should thank every one of you individually,” Prandelli told La Repubblica.

“There will certainly be the chance to do that. All I can say is that such spontaneous shows of affection that come from deep feelings make me very happy. Forza Fiorentina, always!” the Italian tactician revealed.

The Viola are expected to confirm Serbian coach Sinisa Mihajlovic as Prandelli’s replacement.