Italian football has welcomed the appointment of Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli as the next Azzurri coach.

Inter Milan 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."