Italy have broken back into the FIFA Ranking top 10 after a year. “It's just the beginning,” smiled Cesare Prandelli.

The Azzurri had slipped as low as 16th after the debacle of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Today the FIFA World Ranking was released and, thanks to victories over Slovenia and Ukraine, Italy have climbed from 11th to ninth place.

“I am very happy, but it's just the beginning of our journey,” said Coach Prandelli.

The Nazionale had not been this high up the standings in almost a year.

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Italy will surge back into the top 10 of the FIFA World Ranking thanks to their recent victories in Slovenia and Ukraine.

The Azzurri had been out of the top spots since the disastrous 2010 World Cup, but have restored their pride under Cesare Prandelli.

Last month's wins away to Slovenia in the Euro 2012 qualifiers and Ukraine in a friendly helped boost the co-efficient.

The official FIFA rankings will only be announced in a week, but the Gazzetta dello Sport suggests Italy will be in ninth place.

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There are reports that Roberto Baggio is about to resign from his Federation role after seeing a €7m proposal rejected.

Il Divin Codino was drafted in during the big shake-up of the Italy set-up and appointed President of the Technical Sector eight months ago.

However, it was always a little unclear what exactly his position involved and that still seems to be the case within the Federation.

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Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has backtracked after controversially saying that he is backing Napoli to win the Scudetto this season.

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has complained to the President of the FIGC Giancarlo Abete about his lack of impartiality.

"I don't support any team," Prandelli said. "Obviously it makes me very happy that a club like Napoli is organising itself to win the Scudetto: it's a phenomenon that does Italian football good.

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Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has hailed Napoli's performances this season, likening their achievements to his old Fiorentina side.

Napoli moved into second on Sunday with a thrilling 4-3 win against Lazio.

They are now three points behind League leaders Milan with seven games remaining.

Speaking to Radio CrC, Prandelli said: "This is a very entertaining season, above all thanks to Napoli who've shown an extraordinary continuity.

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Italy's crunch Euro 2012 qualifier against Estonia on June 3 will be played at the Stadio Braglia in Modena.

The FIGC announced the venue this evening for the match leading up to the European Championships in Ukraine and Poland.

It will be the third time in the last five years that Italy have played in Modena, after the Under-21 side welcomed Spain in 2006 and the senior squad faced the Faroe Islands in 2007.

The Azzurri currently lead qualifying Group C with 13 points, followed by Slovenia and Serbia on eight, then Estonia with seven points.

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Napoli defender Fabiano Santacroce has the ability to become part of the Italy squad again, says his agent.

The defender, a former Under-21 international, is uncapped at full international level but he has been called up to the Azzurri squad in the past.

Although he's struggled to get a regular game at Napoli this term, Claudio Pasqualin is adamant that the player can get his career back on the right path.

"I don't think it would be a scandal to see Santacroce in the Italian national squad," the representative noted.

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Cesare Prandelli hit back at Italy's critics. “They gave us up for dead, but we've wiped out the post-World Cup pessimism.”

The Azzurri have been revived under their new Coach, winning back-to-back games away to Slovenia and Ukraine, while they are five points clear at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group C.

“Yes, there is a more relaxed atmosphere and we've wiped out the post-World Cup pessimism,” Prandelli told Ansa news agency.

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Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko will not play tonight when Ukraine takes on Italy in an international friendly.

The 34-year-old striker, now back with Dynamo Kiev, was expected to captain his side.

However, Shevchenko had to attend to urgent family matters and flew to London where his son is due to have an operation.

"It's a disappointment not to meet him during the match," said Italy boss Cesare Prandelli.

"He is a legend in Italy and has always had a strong connection with the country."

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