The ex-Viola boss will succeed Lippi...

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."



Meanwhile, Lippi's Italy team played in a couple of friendly matches against amateur sides with Alberto Gilardino, Antonio Di Natale, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Gianluca Zambrotta all finding the net in preparation for the World Cup.



Both Giuseppe Rossi and Fabio Quagliarella were not used in the friendly matches and there is speculation they will be among the five players left out on June 1 as Lippi submits his 23-man lost for the tournament.



"On Tuesday you will know my choices," he added.

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