Capello 'to keep Italian TV role'

Italian state TV broadcaster RaiSport wants Fabio Capello to continue his work with the channel through to Euro 2008 – even if he becomes the new England head coach.

Capello, whose appointment as England boss is thought to be imminent, is under contract with RaiSport, for whom he works as a pundit on Italian football games.

“We have to wait for the official announcement but we will do everything we can for our collaboration to continue at least until Euro 2008,” said Rai Sport director Massimo De Luca.

“This Sunday, Capello will be with us but on the 23rd he will be absent as he had a prior engagement.”

Capello joined RaiSport at the start of the Serie A campaign, several months after being dismissed as Real Madrid coach.

“Considering who he is, he gets a reasonable amount,” said De Luca. “I nevertheless wish to say that friendship is above all and it will remain so, regardless of what happens.”

De Luca admits that finding a replacement for Capello will not be easy.

“With all the respect for others, Capello is Capello,” he said. “But it’s clear that if he leaves, we will have to think about it.

“We hope to have him available on Sundays as the Premier League is played on Saturdays. But he could also broadcast from London.”