Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has been re-appointed after Roberto Donadoni's contract was not extended. Donadoni left after Italy went out of Euro 2008 when they lost to Spain on penalties in the quarter-final. Lippi, 60, will be unveiled in Rome on Tuesday, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on its website.
He has been out of coaching since leading Italy to their World Cup triumph against France in Berlin. Donadoni, 44, signed a new contract extension prior to Euro 2008 but one of the conditions of the deal was for the world champions to reach the last four. The FIGC activated a 10-day get out clause that applied to both Donadoni and the Italian Football Federation after they lost to Spain. Donadoni, a former AC Milan player, succeeded Lippi in 2006 but the FIGC said his tenure had "run to its natural expiry date". The 60-year-old Lippi possesses one of the most impressive CVs in the game having managed Serie A giants Juventus twice, along with spells at the likes of Napoli and Internazionale. [End of report]
It was a surprising news this is. No, not the fact that the FIGC has decided to activate the get out clause in Donadoni contract, but because Lippi is back as the manager of the team. When he decided to leave after the World Cup victory in 2006, I was very disappointed and I was expecting him to manage a club but that didnt happen. I was even more disappointed when the FIGC appointed Donadoni because to be honest, I have never heard him before so I thought he would be a bad choice and I was right. Yes he did managed to help the team qualify for the Euro tournament but our performance in the competition was poor. Just one win and one draw in the group stage, that is disappointing and the performance against Spain was terrible as well so he contract termination was coming. But that is history as far as I am concern. Lippi is back and I am excited for the future. Im sure he can do a good job just like he has done in the past and hopefully, he can help us to defend the World Cup in two years time but first we have to go through the qualifiers. With Lippi, anything is possible now.
Lippi has already said that he is very happy and motivated after being appointed the manager once again and Im sure the entire country is feeling the same way as well. I cant wait for the next match and it would be interesting to see if he will make any major changes to the team. It's time to bring the cigar back. Forza Italia! Oh and before I end, I would like to thank Donadoni for everything he has done for the team. He has the heart but unfortunately, that isn't enough but thanks anyway Don.
*The report was taken from BBC.
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