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."

Inter president Massimo Moratti also applauded Prandelli's appointment.

"He is a fantastic coach," he said. "He is the right choice.

"But he was not one of our candidates (to replace Jose Mourinho) because we knew for two months that the Federation was interested in him."

Former Italy boss Roberto Donadoni, who coached Italy at Euro 2008, added: "I am very happy for him.

"I believe he deserves this position. He is very well liked by people and I don't think he will suffer from being a club coach. Being a national team coach will not be traumatic.

"I think his experience at Parma and Fiorentina will be useful."