11 days to go

Prandelli to take over from Lippi

FIORENTINA coach Cesare Prandelli will take over as Italy boss when Marcello Lippi steps down after the World Cup. Prandelli is expected to sign a four-year deal and will be officially presented after the team returns from the tournament in South Africa.

The 52-year-old ex-Juventus midfielder is Serie As longest-serving coach, having been at Fiorentina since 2005. He has managed to turn around La Viola from being relegation strugglers into qualifiers for the Champions League. Lippi led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 before stepping down. He returned in 2008 after Roberto Donadoni quit following a poor performance in the European Championship.

Eto’o threatens not to play

CAMEROON striker Samuel Etoo has threatened to pull out of the World Cup after being criticised by legendary countryman Roger Milla. Inter Milan forward Eto’o has reacted angrily to the 1990 World Cup stars assessment of his performances for the national side and has said he may walk away from the tournament altogether.

“Is it worth me going to the World Cup?” Eto’o said. “I still have a few days to think about it but I will see if my participation is important because I don’t need this in my career.” Manager Paul Le Guen has named Etoo in his squad.

Boateng named in Ghana squad

KEVIN-PRINCE Boateng was yesterday included in Ghana’s 23-man squad for the finals. Berlin-born Boateng played for Germany at every level up to and including under-21, but he recently opted to switch his allegiance to Ghana after becoming frustrated with a lack of opportunities under Joachim Löw.

Boateng’s inclusion sets up a tasty encounter against Germany in Johannesburg on June 23rd. The Portsmouth midfielder recently came in for criticism for a heavy challenge on Germany captain Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final which led to the Chelsea star being ruled out of the finals.

The match against Germany could also see Boateng come up against his half-brother Jerome, who plays for Hamburg.