Marcello Lippi's future as Italy coach will be decided before the 2010 World Cup gets underway.

Lippi, who led the Azzurri to global glory in 2006 and returned for a second spell in 2008, will see his current contract reach its conclusion at the end of next summer's finals.

Speculation is rife that he will not continue past that point, with a new man set to take the reins.

Reports have suggested that Lippi will seek to make a return to former club Juventus ahead of the 2010/11 campaign, possibly as a director.

The Italian Football Federation have given no indication that they plan to part with Lippi's services, but they have admitted that the situation will be resolved before Italy start the defence of their World Cup crown.

"Obviously results are important in football but you cannot leave the decision on the future of the national team coach until after the World Cup," federation head Giancarlo Abete told Rai television.

"We need to go to South Africa with our ideas clear."

Abete revealed that the Italian FA are keen to avoid a repeat of the uncertainty which surrounded Roberto Donadoni's position in the run-up to Euro 2008.

Meanwhile, following Carlo Ancelotti's committal to Chelsea for the foreseeable future, Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli insists he would have no interest in the national post, should it become available.

"The national team? I have not spoken with anyone," he told Sportmediaset.it.

"I don't want to talk about it either, because at this moment there is a coach in the job who has proven to be the best and I hope he will continue in the role."