Viola want Prandelli return after WC success

(GSM) – Fiorentina have made Cesare Prandelli known of their desire of a return to the Florence club after ‘winning a World Cup with Italy’.

The Viola are resigned to losing their longest serving Serie A coach following negotiations with the Italian football federation, FIGC.

And it is only a matter of time before Prandelli is named as Marcello Lippi’s successor.

“We have no secrets,” explained Vice-President Mario Cognini on the official club website.

“On the Friday there was a meeting in which we all planned next season’s transfer strategy, tactical system and objectives. We saw our future with Prandelli.

“Then on the Wednesday FIGC President Giancarlo Abete called Andrea Della Valle. It’s one thing to read the stories in the newspapers, but another when it actually happens.

“The club had no previous contact with the Federation and neither had Prandelli. When the call came, with great difficulty and frankly embarrassed by the situation, we gave the all-clear for talks. It wouldn’t have been right to stop them.

“There is respect for the FIGC, but also gratitude towards Cesare,” continued Vice-President Cognini.

“It is the dream of every Coach to lead Italy. You cannot rob a tactician of that choice or decide for him whether he can accept such a prestigious opportunity. He’ll become one of the five most famous Coaches in the world.”

However, the rapport between Fiorentina and Prandelli is not necessarily over for good.

“We wanted to keep him and would never have released our Coach for another club, but the FIGC is not a rival. We were forced to take a step back. We’ll miss Prandelli a great deal and are preparing a statement to salute him in the best way.

“We await him at the Stadio Franchi, as he’ll always have a place here. I told him as Italy manager he must call up many Viola stars…

“It’s not a goodbye to Cesare, but a see you soon. I hope you can win a World Cup with Italy, then return to us after four years and make your dreams of Viola trophies come true.”