Official: Lippi Quits Italy

Snowman

Marcello Lippi has officially stepped down as coach of Italy despite leading the team to World Cup glory on Sunday.

There has been widespread support for Lippi to stay on after the success against France but he has decided to go out on a high.

He said in a statement on the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) website: "After the conclusion of an extraordinary professional and human experience during my time guiding this group of players, I believe my role as coach of the national team is over.

"I have therefore announced to the FIGC my wish to leave the post as national coach when the contract expires.

"I would like to thank the FIGC for the trust they have given me in the last two years I have worked for them."

He added: "I believe that I have achieved what I set out to achieve as coach of the Italian team."

Lippi turned down a new contract before the tournament in Germany began and failed to attend a meeting with the Italian Federation on Tuesday.

He feels he and his son Davide were attacked personally in the Serie A corruption scandal.

Lippi was questioned by prosecutors before the World Cup about alleged pressure he received to select particular players for the national team.

His son is under investigation regarding his position at a player agency linked to the scandal.

source: goal.com

The Phantom

I'm a firm believer in people going out at the top, and what Lippi did with this Italian side was brilliant. He can't take them any further, so whatever he does now will only be a backwards step, much like the situation Klinsman would have been in if he stayed in the German job.

The Phantom

World Cup winners Italy have appointed Roberto Donadoni as their new coach to succeed Marcello Lippi.
Lippi resigned on Wednesday, three days after leading Italy to their fourth World Cup success.

Donadoni, 43, steered Livorno to sixth place in Serie A in 2005/06 before resigning at the end of the season.

The former AC Milan midfielder, who won 63 caps for Italy, has also been in charge at Lecce and Genoa since beginning his coaching career in 2001.

Snowman

Donadoni is ok I guess, but no1 is as good as Lippi imo. Well, Capello might be, but he has already signed a new contract with Real Madrid.