Prandelli ‘to replace Lippi as Italy boss’

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli will replace Marcello Lippi as Italy boss after the World Cup, Italian news agency Ansa claimed on Sunday.

Prandelli is alleged to have met with Italian Football Federation (Figc) president Giancarlo Abete in Sestriere where Italy are preparing at altitude for the South Africa extravaganza.

The 52-year-old will sign a four-year deal and will be officially presented after the World Cup.

Some details have yet to be decided, says Ansa, such as the make-up of Prandelli’s backroom staff.

There was no confirmation from Figc but Lippi – who guided Italy to the 2006 World Cup title – said he was aware of the appointment.

“The Federation has found the right person,” he said before explaining his own departure.

“At Christmas I told Abete that I would do two years and that’s enough.

“I don’t want to talk right now about my reasons for leaving this job after the World Cup.

“You all knew that Lippi wouldn’t be the national team coach of the future and I’ll talk about my reasons after the World Cup.”

Former Juventus midfielder Prandelli has spent five years at Fiorentina, twice taking them into the Champions League having previously coached Parma and AS Roma.