Duo back Capello choice

Berlusconi: Backing for Capello

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Fabio Capello's former bosses Silvio Berlusconi and Ramon Calderon have hailed the Italian's appointment as England coach.

Ex-Milan and Real Madrid coach Capello has been confirmed as Steve McClaren's successor and will be presented to the media on Monday.

Milan president Berlusconi, who appointed Capello as coach at San Siro in the early 1990s, feels it is a proud moment for Italian football.

"I am very proud like every Italian that a nation which is the birthplace of football has chosen an Italian coach to become their manager," Berlusconi told reporters.

Italy No.1

"This is a message that Italy is the No.1 nation of football, considering our World Cup success and now Capello being chosen as the England manager."

Calderon, who brought Capello back to Real Madrid for a second spell as coach in 2006, expects the 61-year-old to make an impact on the international stage.

"I wish and hope he has good luck and does really well in his adventure with the English national side," Calderon said in Marca.

"I am sure that all will go well because he is an expert coach in difficult situations and currently England are not in a straightforward situation. I am sure that all will be well.

"The English national team are suffering from the fact that many of their best teams have a lack of English players in their ranks. It is a problem that concerns the powers-that-be in England, but even so I am confident in the work of Capello."