Soccer: Prandelli to coach national team two more years

'Signing expected in coming weeks' - Italian Soccer Federation

(ANSA) - Rome, March 24 - Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will renew his contract for two more years with the national team, ANSA learned Monday. He was expected to sign in coming weeks, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) confirmed. Until recently Prandelli had been expected to step down after this year's World Cup in Brazil, having frequently said he missed club soccer. "Something has changed," Prandelli said earlier this month when asked about reports he was not willing to stay on if given enhanced powers, including greater influence over the youth national teams.

"Now I'm thinking about a renewal (of my contract). "I'm not dictating terms, but there is a technical project". Former Fiorentina boss Prandelli took over a national team in disarray after Italy's embarrassing group-stage exit at the 2010 World Cup.

He rejuvenated the side and managed to get them playing an attractive offensive style that saw them reach the final of Euro 2012 and qualify for the 2014 World Cup with two matches to spare, even though the current squad has fewer stars than teams of the past.