Former Fiorentina boss could step down after Brazil.
FIGC chief Giancarlo Abete has insisted that the focus is on Italy’s two World Cup qualifiers and not the future of coach Cesare Prandelli.
Speculation in the Italian media has been rife over the past few days as rumours surfaced that Prandelli was contemplating stepping down from his position after the World Cup in Brazil next year.
Having taken charge in 2010, it will be the end of his four-year agreement with the FIGC, and having taken the Azzurri to the Euro 2012 final, it is understood that he wants to have an opportunity at the World Cup before calling time on his tenure.
The former Fiorentina boss has been a popular coach since arriving in the aftermath of the 2010 World Cup where Italy were eliminated in the group stages.
Having revolutionised the squad by bringing in several youngsters, the Azzurri look in good shape to compete in Brazil, provided they successfully navigate their way out of their qualifying group.
They face Bulgaria in Palermo on Friday night, before taking on the Czech Republic on Tuesday, and Abete has revealed that the focus is purely on winning those two games.
“In Italy, we are masters of thinking about tomorrow without thinking about today,” Abete commented as quoted by Football Italia.
“Right now, we have two qualifiers against Bulgaria in Palermo tonight and then the Czech Republic in Turin on Tuesday.
“We must be focused on just these matches right now. There will be time in the future to expand on other things,” he added.
However, Sky Sport Italia have already begun speculation over potential successors, with suggestions that both AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and Japan boss Alberto Zaccheroni have been contacted over the possibility of taking charge next year.
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