Prandelli to stay in Italian job

Cesare Prandelli, will continue as Italy coach regardless of how well they perform at Euro 2012, according to the country’s football federation.

The Azzurri face a tough task to progress to the knock-out stages of Euro 2012, playing world champions Spain in their opening game on 10th June.

Croatia and Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland are the other opponents in a difficult Group C as Italy aim for an improvement over their early exit from the 2010 World Cup. The former Fiorentina boss has been in charge since 2010 following the departure of Marcello Lippi and is under contract until 2014.

Italy went unbeaten in qualifying to boost their hopes of success in Ukraine and Poland.

“Prandelli’s continuation is not dependent on the outcome of the European Championship,” Italy Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete said.

Prandelli is realistic, however, and believes a poor showing could lead to his exit as coach.

“I have a contract with the national team until 2014 and I want to respect it,” he said. “But I will be tested for results at the Euros just like every other coach.”