Giancarlo Abete has revealed that this summer’s World Cup will be his last as president of the FIGC and admits that he remains confident in Italy boss Cesare Prandelli.
The 63-year-old, who has been chief of the Italian Football Federation since 2007, recently renewed Prandelli’s contract as Azzurri coach for another two years and believes the tactician has been a big help in reviving the national team since taking up the position in 2010.
Abete spoke to Sky Sport Italia about what the country needs to do in order to be successful at the tournament and commented on his future as head of the FIGC.
“The Italy we saw against Luxembourg is a national team that is currently a work in progress,” he said. “There is great satisfaction from the reception in Perugia and Umbria which is a testimony to the passion for the national team.
“There is time until our first match in the World Cup, which is enough for us to improve. Several other national teams are still not in top shape, like ours.
“The injury of [Riccardo] Montolivo has caused trauma, as it was a sad event, but then again it has also helped in making us completely focused on the team.
“Everyone on the team is important, no one is expendable. We must score more.
“My last World Cup as FIGC president? I’m used to maintaining consistency. Certainly this is my last term as president of the federation. I hope to see others who are just as passionate.
“Prandelli’s renewal? As evidence of my confidence in him, I offered him a renewal without it being connected to the outcome at the World Cup.
“Prandelli has done well in a difficult moment for Italian football, earning Italy second place at the last European Championship and third place at last year’s Confederations Cup.”
