Lippi Bows Out In Style

July 13th, 2006 | by: Daryl |

Marcelo Lippi has resigned as coach of Italy after winning the World Cup. “At the end of an extraordinary professional and human experience, experienced as the head of an exceptional group of players … I believe my role is over as the guide of the Italian national team,” Lippi said in a statement.

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) vice-president Giancarlo Abete thanked Lippi for his “professionalism” and his performance “in the context of the great difficulties known to all”. Abete said Lippi had told him during the group stages that he would be leaving after the World Cup, whatever happened.

Lippi will more than likely step back into club football, with teams lining up for his services. He’s already denied rumours linking him with Manchester United for the very sensible reason that he doesn’t speak English.

Roberto Donadoni, Alberto Zaccheroni and Claudio Gentile are among the frontrunners to replace Lippi. Who would Italy fans like to see in the job?

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http://australia dino

Great job Lippi. Disappointed that you are leaving. Great tactician who hardly made a wrong call during the whole tournament.A Team based on strong defense but with attacking instructions and purpose. A lot better than Trappatoni who was way too defensive and wasted Italy’s attacking players.Lippi got the whole squad playing as a team. Well Done
anto

You are truly a hero for italy!!! You are the master!
Stokazz

After him… Donadoni?
Gian Luca

I agree with Dino.

Expecially with Germany, finally someone who put some punch in attack.

The other past coaches were too defensive.

Let’s not hope for Gentile: He is part of the defensive school, having played it all his life.
deepak

Paulo Maldini.
Sergio

the whole italian press bashed him for months,calling him names and joking about the players he wanted in the team. They said he was part of “Moggi’s System”,aka the italian scandal for matchfixing. Now the same slimy people is now praising him all day long. But Lippi has had his revenge and won’t give them anything more for free
Sergio

Donadoni anche per me
Tony

Sorry guys,
Donadoni had a great year leading Livorno to a sound finish, however he lacks experience and I don’t think he will get the same kind of respect Lippi got. Lippi’s whole train of thought was to get 23 minds thinking as one. He accomlished this and look at the results. Italy needs another leader like him. Gentile fits the bill perfectly. I don’t think his style is too defensive. Look what he did with the U-23 squad. They were very exciting to watch. He won’t take any crap either. remember, he left Cassano off his team even though he was the best young striker in Italy. He is probably the only guy who never got pushed around by the ISF as well. Let’s not forget he was a champion himself, so he knows what it takes to win.
Lippi Fan

So sad Lippi is gone now. We are going to miss you for sure because you are one of the world greatest coach ever. Hey Mister, you are the man !!!
Paul

He hasn’t been mentioned, but I like Carlo Ancelotti from Milan. He’s attack minded and he is already familiar with many of the players.
riko

It’s official guys: it’s Donadoni. Best wishes to him e forza azzurri!
nicko

great photo, how good would it be to retire with the world cup casually plonked on the desk next to you!