Baldini to quit as Capello’s England assistant

LONDON (AP)—Franco Baldini will quit as assistant to England coach Fabio Capello later this year to take a position with Italian club Roma.

The Football Association says Baldini will continue his role until the end of England’s qualifying campaign for next year’s European Championship, which will be October or November.

He may return in February for a friendly set to be scheduled if England qualifies and could yet assist Capello at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

Capello says “Franco has been given a good opportunity by Roma but I am happy he will stay with me and the England team until after the qualification program. For me this is very important.”

The FA did not say if Baldini would be replaced.