Numerous articles in the country's media suggest Eriksson may soon announce his resignation.

And a leading Italian football journalist has told the BBC that he expects Eriksson to leave Lazio by the end of the week.

Gabrielle Marcotti of Corriere dello Sport told BBC Sport: "I think it has become pretty clear from Lazio's viewpoint that Eriksson is welcome to leave, it's up to him to just walk out.

"Lazio chairman does not want to have to sack Eriksson, he wants him to resign."

Lazio are rumoured to have signed Dino Zoff as their new coach, and scheduled a press conference to announce the appointment.

It is said that Eriksson will cite the team's poor run of results and the fans' loss of confidence in him as the reasons for his decision.

The Swede's departure would allow him to take control of the England squad immediately.

But Lazio's owner, Sergio Cragnotti, on Monday denied reports that Eriksson is cutting short his tenure at the club.

Cragnotti emerged from a crisis meeting with the England coach-designate to scotch rumours that Eriksson was about to be sacked following the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Napoli in Rome's Olympic Stadium on Sunday.

"Everything is going to stay like it was. I have had a meeting with the coach and he can stay until the end of the season, it's his decision," Cragnotti said.

"Eriksson is very sad with what has happened to the team and I am very sad as well.

"Eriksson can stay with the team if he wants to, it's up to him."