They Fall Like Flies ... But Not Hodgson!

Last updated : 25 June 2014 By Footy Mad - Editor

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has announced his resignation after the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay knocked his side out of the World Cup.

Prandelli took up the post in 2010 and led his country to the final of Euro 2012 but his side failed to qualify from World Cup Group D following two defeats at the hands of Costa Rica and Uruguay after a 2-1 win over England in their opening game.

He announced he has submitted his resignation to the Italian FA's president, Giancarlo Abete, who says he hopes Prandelli will reconsider his decision, while Abete himself has also stepped down.

However, former Fiorentina and Roma coach Prandelli said he will stand by his decision to resign.

Prandelli said: “I talked to the President of the Federation and Demetrio Albertini, and gave my resignation. The technical set-up didn't work, and I take all responsibility for that.

“Something has changed since my contract was renewed. I don't know why. I chose a certain technical plan and that's why I am resigning, because it did not work. My resignation is irrevocable."

Abete also announced he is stepping down, saying: "I would like to announce my resignation. I do hope that at the forthcoming meeting of the board, they can persuade Cesare to reconsider his position.

“I had already made my decision before the World Cup."

Sabri Lamouchi has resigned as Ivory Coast coach following the 2-1 defeat by Greece which saw his side knocked out of the World Cup.

Former Celtic striker Georgios Samaras struck an injury-time penalty as Greece snatched a place in the World Cup last-16 with a dramatic win over the African side.

Ivory Coast had looked to be going through to the knockout stages as Group C runners-up after Swansea's Wilfried Bony cancelled out Andreas Samaras' first-half strike in the 74th minute in Fortaleza.

But Greece grabbed victory after Samaras was felled late on.

Following the result, Lamouchi announced his decision to step down.

The 42-year-old Frenchman told FIFA.com: "My contract comes to an end at this World Cup and there will be no epilogue and you can understand well as to why.

"It is logical as we did not do well at last year's Africa Cup of Nations or at the World Cup finals."

Lamouchi, a former France international, revealed his disappointment at the loss against Greece but did not criticise the way they won the game.

"I have put a lot of time and effort into the past two years, but unfortunately my story with Cote d'Ivoire ends this evening," he said.

"The outcome is a cruel one but the Greeks did not steal this victory.

"I am very disappointed and sad, and also for the players and the Ivorian people. However, my career carries on and there will be other defeats, though I would have liked this adventure to finish in a different fashion."