Now official, Italy have announced that former Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli will take over after the 2010 World Cup from coach Marcello Lippi. The 52-year-old has signed a four-year deal.

"Cesare Prandelli will inherit the bench from coach Marcello Lippi after the World Cup in South Africa," confirmed a statement on the Italian FA (FIGC) official website.

"For Cesare Prandelli the FIGC has guaranteed a contract of four years. The details of the operation will be defined in the coming days. The official presentation of the new coach will be after the world championship."

The current national team boss is in support of the decision to appoint Prandelli as his successor.

"During Christmas, I had already told the FIGC president I intended to complete these two years and leave," said Lippi during a press conference.

"Prandelli is the right man in the right place, we can discuss this in more detail later. Also, later on, I can discuss the reason that led me to leave the national team for a second time."