Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli is set to take over as coach of the Italian national football team after this summer's World Cup, according to reports here on Thursday.
The daily Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Prandelli would take over from Marcello Lippi after the world champions title defence.
The newspaper claimed that Italian football federation president Giancarlo Abete had contacted Fiorentina president Andrea della Valle on Wednesday concerning the move.
He requested "the authorisation to make a proposal to the club coach (Prandelli) for the new season until June 30, 2011," the newspaper said.
Prandelli leaves on a tour of Canada with Fiorentina on Thursday and is set to meet Abete on his return next week when the Italian team take part in an alpine training camp at Sestrieres.
Prandelli, 52, is under contract with Fiorentina until the end of the 2010-2011 season. He joined the Tuscany side in 2005 and has proved hugely popular with the fans.
He has also been linked with a move to Juventus next season but dismissed this by pledging his allegiance to Fiorentina in March.
The club finished 11th in the Serie A this season.