Italy coach Marcello Lippi has backed the decision to select Cesare Prandelli as his successor.

Lippi will leave the national team after the World Cup and Prandelli, who has been at the helm of Fiorentina for five years, will take his place and sign a four-year contract.

"The Federation has found the right person," Lippi said. "I told (Italy Football Federation president Giancarlo) Abete that I would guide the team for two years and then I would leave. I don't want to discuss the reasons for my decision as I will do that after South Africa and not now."