Lippi returns as Italy's coach to replace Donadoni

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-27  |     ONLINE EDITION

MARCELLO Lippi was reappointed as Italy's coach yesterday, following the removal of Roberto Donadoni.

The coaching change came four days after Italy was knocked out of the European Championship quarterfinals by Spain on penalty kicks. A statement on the Italian football federation's Web site said that president Giancarlo Abete had appointed Lippi after meeting with Donadoni to terminate his contract.

Lippi was Donadoni's predecessor and led Italy to victory in the 2006 World Cup. The federation said Lippi will be presented at a news conference on Tuesday.

Lippi is expected to sign a two-year contract that will last through the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Local media have speculated that Lippi could entice emblematic playmaker Francesco Totti and top defender Alessandro Nesta to end their international retirements.

Lippi is also expected to call up Brazilian-born forward Amauri, with Alberto Gilardino also possibly rejoining the mix.

Angelo Peruzzi, Italy's third goalkeeper at the World Cup, will likely be named an assistant coach, and former Italy defender Ciro Ferrara could also rejoin the staff.

In 29 games as Italy's coach between 2004 and 2006, Lippi guided the Azzurri to 17 wins, 10 draws and two losses.

Besides the World Cup final victory over France in a shootout, the silver-haired coach is also remembered for fielding four forwards in Italy's 2-0 extra-time win over Germany in the semifinals.

Lippi has spent the past two years traveling Italy and abroad to pick up awards. He has also worked as an analyst for Italy's Sky TV.

Besides the World Cup title, Lippi's resume includes five Serie A titles with Juventus, one Champions League victory, one Intercontinental Cup title, one Italian Cup and four Italian Super Cups.