FIGC President Giancarlo Abete insists Cesare Prandelli will continue his work after “bringing Italy back to the prestigious places in European football.”
FIGC President Giancarlo Abete insists Cesare Prandelli will continue his work after “bringing Italy back to the prestigious places in European football.”
The Azzurri were beaten 4-0 in the Euro 2012 Final by Spain and Prandelli had hinted he was unhappy at the lack of support he received over the past two years from clubs.
“I didn’t fear Prandelli would leave, as he has a solid rapport with the Federation and we’ll try to put him in the best condition to continue his work,” said the Federation chief.
“He has made positive steps forward and although there is disappointment at losing the Final, we must not forget that this tournament showed an advance for the Azzurri and brought the Italian national team back to the prestigious places in European football.
“There is an issue of a rapport between club and country that all nations must deal with. We have to continue this work and realise it goes beyond the senior Italy side, but also the youth sectors.”
The Coppa Italia Final was during Italy’s tournament preparation, robbing Prandelli of the Juventus” data-scaytid=”47″>Juventus and Napoli players, while the Italian Super Cup is a few days before an August friendly with England.
“The date of the Coppa Italia Final was within the international calendar, so we used every day we had at our disposal. Spain played their cup several days after we did, so that cannot be used as a reason for fatigue.
“We will carefully evaluate the Super Cup situation, but know that from 2014 the international calendar will no longer include an August friendly. We want our Nazionale to express their best potential.
“I would vote 8 or 8.5 out of 10 for our tournament. It would’ve been 10 with a victory in the Final, but the lads gave their all against an excellent Spanish side, so we can only thank Prandelli and our players.”