Italy coach Prandelli quits after World Cup exit
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
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"I take complete responsibility," said Cesare Prandelli as he resigned after four years as Italy coach, having failed to lead his side through to the FIFA World Cup round of 16.
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Italy coach Cesare Prandelli announced his decision to step down after a 1-0 defeat against Uruguay spelled a second consecutive FIFA World Cup group stage exit for the four-time champions.
Italy started their Group D campaign with a 2-1 win against England but then lost against Costa Rica and Uruguay to finish third in the section. "I take complete responsibility for this early exit," the 56-year-old Prandelli said. "I took all the decisions, our project was not successful, and so I have decided to resign. I have already talked to [Italian Football Federation president Giancarlo] Abete to communicate my decision."
Former Atalanta BC and Juventus midfielder Prandelli replaced Marcello Lippi as Italy coach in 2010, and guided Italy to the final of UEFA EURO 2012. He had agreed a deal to lead the Azzurri until 2016 ahead of the World Cup finals. He had served his coaching apprenticeship with US Lecce, Hellas Verona FC, AC Venezia, Parma FC and AS Roma, before taking charge of ACF Fiorentina from 2005-10, his side reaching the UEFA Champions League round of 16 in 2009/10.