Alfio Basile resigned as Argentina coach on Friday, following a series of frustrating results for the two-time world champions. The South American Giants slumped to a 1-0 defeat by Chile in a 2010 world cup qualifier, which apparently prompted the 64-year-old to quit his job. However, Argentine Football Association spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo announced that Basile had stepped down as a result of personal reasons that won't allow him to work with full capacity. The Argentine boss was installed after the 2006 world cup, when his compatriot Jose Pekerman handed in his resignation. Under Basile's management, Argentina lost Copa America's final to their continental arch-rivals Brazil. They currently lie third in the world cup qualifying stage, trailing first-placed Paraguay by seven points. Potential Successors Former Argentina player Diego Simone is highly nominated to succeed Basile as head coach, as his progress with River Plate indicates he has a lot of potentials. Argentina youth team coach Sergio Batista is also recommended for the senior team job. Argentine legend Gabriel Omar Batistuta is also expected to be interested in the vacancy, having previously revealed that he would like to take over Argentina first team. The new head coach is expected to be unveiled before Argentina's forthcoming game against Scotland on November 19th.
