Sport : Football

Prandelli focused on Spain

30th June 2012, 07:39pm

Bet with SkyBet  Euro 2012. Click here to bet.

Cesare Prandelli: No contact with any clubs

Cesare Prandelli: No contact with any clubs

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has dismissed talk of his future and insists he is only interested in Sunday's Euro 2012 final showdown with Spain.

Prandelli's contract is not due to expire until 2014.

However, after transforming the Azzurri's fortunes during his two years in charge, Prandelli is a man in demand.

The 54-year-old already had an impressive reputation following five successful seasons at Fiorentina.

With Italy though, he has done even better, helping them to shed the stereotypical image of a dour, defensive team to become one of the most entertaining in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

Prandelli admits he misses the day-to-day involvement of domestic coaching.

But he is keen to get Sunday's showpiece in Kiev out of the way before he starts to think about his future.

"Listen, I've had my phone on and I've not had a call," he said.

"I've said before, I've got a great relationship with the Italian Football Federation and I love the shirt.

"I do miss the everyday aspect of club football, of course, but that's as far as it goes."

As in 1982 and 2006, the Italian national team has made light of the scandals that have engulfed the game back home.

This time around it was the match-fixing allegations that have erupted and caused Domenico Criscito to be withdrawn from the squad.

Yet despite the negativity, Italy have come out fighting.

And after holding Spain in their opening group game, they now fancy their chances of going one better, especially as Mario Balotelli has hit top form.

However, Prandelli is eager not to get carried away.

"I open my eyes but I'm still dreaming," he said.

"There's great satisfaction here because everyone has put so much work into this.

"But Spain will go into the game as favourites.

"They've been working on this for many years and have dominated every single contest.

"They are a brilliant side."

Bet with SkyBet  Euro 2012. Click here to bet.

Football Videos

    Poulter on Arsenal, Wentworth and putters

    Poulter on Arsenal, Wentworth and putters

    21-May-2013

    Ian Poulter chats to Sky Sports News' Jamie Weir about the PGA Championships at Wentworth and his beloved Arsenal.

    Calderon's most notable signing

    Calderon's most notable signing

    21-May-2013

    Ramon Calderon tells Guillem and Scott about the efforts Real Madrid went to in securing Cristano Ronaldo's services.

    Revista Tweets - 21st May

    Revista Tweets - 21st May

    21-May-2013

    Ramon Calderon answers your tweets this week.

    Mourinho and Real were a mismatch

    Mourinho and Real were a mismatch

    21-May-2013

    Ramon Calderon believes Jose Mourinho was not the right man for Real Madrid given the club's history and his reputation.

    Sky Bet

      • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

    Facebook Favourites