Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli has signed a four-year contract to take over as Italy boss when Marcello Lippi steps down after this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Italian football federation president Giancarlo Abete was given permission by the Serie A club earlier this month to talk to Prandelli, and the two men met in Rome on Sunday to discuss the matter before reaching a positive conclusion.

"Cesare Prandelli will take over the bench from coach Marcello Lippi after the World Cup in South Africa," an FIGC statement released on Sunday afternoon confirmed.