Azzurris put faith in Lippi once again

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-28  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

MARCELLO Lippi was reappointed as Italy's coach on Thursday, 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.

Lippi led Italy to victory in the 2006 World Cup.

Donadoni had signed a two-year contract extension before Euro 2008, but the deal included an escape clause on both sides that could be put into effect within 10 days of Italy's loss.

He guided Italy to 13 wins, five draws and five losses.

"I'm sorry that a penalty kick has decided this situation," Donadoni said.

"Over these last two years, my Italy also did something positive, and one last game can't erase that."

At Euro 2008, Donadoni was criticized for designing an attack that was overly dependent on an out-of-form Luca Toni. No forward scored during Italy's four-game run at the tournament.

Lippi could entice emblematic playmaker Francesco Totti and top defender Alessandro Nesta to end their international retirements. He is also expected to call up forward Amauri, with Alberto Gilardino also possibly rejoining the mix.

Donadoni was hired to replace Lippi four days after Italy's World Cup victory, and he never quite escaped the former coach's shadow. At 44, Donadoni was criticized for being too young, too inexperienced and too introverted since the day he was hired.

"I don't have the foggiest idea of what I will do in the future," Donadoni said. "I've got to digest this and then start anew."