Prandelli extends contract

Prandelli has steered his side to the brink of UEFA Cup football this season and they would now be in a definite Champions League spot had it not been for a 15-point deduction for last season's match-fixing scandal.

Fiorentina have acted after Prandelli was linked with Juventus in the media amid speculation that Didier Deschamps could leave the Turin club after they are promoted back to the Italian top flight.

"There was never any problem with the contract which has been very happily extended by both sides," Prandelli told club the website after Sunday's 1-0 win over Cagliari.

"I have never had any doubts as here in Florence everything is going well and the club has serious plans."