Cesare Prandelli: Happy to have guided Italy into the final and is not thinking about his own future
Cesare Prandelli has refused to be drawn into discussing his future as he focuses on trying to lead Italy to victory against a 'brilliant' Spain side.
Prandelli's contract is not due to expire until 2014 but he is a man in demand after transforming the Azzurri's fortunes and guiding them to the brink of another major tournament victory.
The 54-year-old already had an impressive reputation following five successful seasons at Fiorentina, and he admits he does miss 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."
Underdogs
Prandelli is concentrating solely on the clash with Spain and he is anticipating a tough test against the reigning European champions and World Cup winners.
He believes Italy have to be regarded as the underdogs against such a team but concedes it is difficult 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."
Hot News
Rank | Team | W/D/L | Pts |
---|
Cities & Stadiums
The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments
Year | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
---|---|---|---|
2008 | Spain | Germany | Russia / Turkey |
2004 | Greece | Portugal | Netherlands / Czech Republic |
2000 | France | Italy | Netherlands / Portugal |
1996 | Germany | Czech Republic | France / England |
1992 | Denmark | Germany | Netherlands / Sweden |
1988 | Netherlands | Soviet Union | Italy / West Germany |
1984 | France | Spain | Denmark / Portugal |
1980 | West Germany | Belgium | Czechoslovakia |
1976 | Czechoslovakia | West Germany | Netherlands |
1972 | West Germany | Soviet Union | Belgium |
1968 | Italy | Yugoslavia | England |
1964 | Spain | Soviet Union | Hungary |
1960 | Soviet Union | Yugoslavia | Czechoslovakia |