Fiorentina are bracing themselves for the possibility of coach Cesare Prandelli taking over as Italy boss after the World Cup.
Prandelli is the leading candidate to replace Marcello Lippi, who is widely expected to step down after this summer's tournament in South Africa.
Fiorentina administrator Sandro Mencucci is already preparing in case it happens.
"Prandelli as national team coach? We will see what happens," he said.
"If Cesare is to be offered the post, I believe it will be impossible to say no to that and we will just have to wish him the best of luck."
Prandelli and Fiorentina are currently taking part in a close-season tournament in Canada.
Italy football Federation president Giancarlo Abete contacted the Florence-based club last week to ask permission to talk to Prandelli.
"The first contact with president Abete came after the end of the season, not before," said Mencucci.
"There has been a lot of talk about this but we have to think about planning our future in the best possible way.
"We did that last week with Prandelli, but if he goes, we don't want to miss out for next season.
"If Prandelli leaves, (Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo) Corvino will consider the best possible alternative."
The 52-year-old Prandelli is the longest serving coach in Serie A after joining Fiorentina in the summer of 2005.
He is under contract with the Florence-based outfit until June 2011.
