'Lippi will leave after the World Cup' Tuesday 26 January, 2010
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Il Corriere dello Sport is certain Marcello Lippi will leave his post in charge of Italy after the World Cup next summer following a dispute with the FIGC.
It has been widely accepted that Lippi will walk away from the Azzurri whatever happens in South Africa, possibly returning to former club Juventus.
This speculation is believed to have riled Giancarlo Abete, the President of the FIGC, who fears Lippi's loyalty is split.
Lippi is said to have advised Juventus to sign Antonio Candreva from Udinese last week, something Abete feels he shouldn't have done, especially in light of the very public role he played in Fabio Cannavaro's and Fabio Grosso's return to the Bianconeri last summer.
Abete apparently feels that Lippi's return hasn't exactly been a success from a PR standpoint either, as demonstrated by the protests, the whistles and the outrage at his decision to exclude Antonio Cassano from La Nazionale.
Il Corriere understands Lippi is also far from impressed with the fans' reaction towards his second stint in charge. His relationship with people within the FIGC is also said to be quite cold, prompting Abete to concentrate on finding a successor rather than preparing Lippi a contract extension.
Abete's first choice to replace Lippi would be Carlo Ancelotti, but his recent move to Chelsea effectively rules him out. Ancelotti has spoken of the honour he feels whenever he is linked with the job, but his immediate loyalty lies with the Blues and not the Azzurri. Also Abete would struggle to put together a better financial package than Chelsea.
Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli is the most popular choice, although the Della Valle family has told Abete to forget about hiring him. Prandelli feels a strong emotional connection to the Viola and would like to continue his project with Pantaleo Corvino, the club's director of sport.
With Roberto Mancini and Luciano Spalletti also unlikely to be available next summer, attention has fallen on Claudio Ranieri, the Roma boss, because of his coaching experience abroad.
Channel 4