Marcello Lippi has been announced as the new Italy coach following the termination of Roberto Donadoni's contract in the wake of the team's Euro 2008 quarterfinal exit.
Lippi, who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup in Germany before he resigned, has been linked with the position following the penalty shoot-out defeat to Spain in Vienna and returned to the role following a meeting with Italian FA, (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete.
Since the victory in Berlin Lippi has not accepted any of the numerous roles offered to him, preferring to work for Sky Sports Italia and recharge his batteries on the Tuscan coast.
The ex-Juventus coach will be officially unveiled on Tuesday July 1.
Donadoni had his tenure ended after the FIGC decided not to renew his two-year contract following their exit from Euro 2008 at the quarterfinal stage.
Abete met with Donadoni in Rome on Thursday where he told the 43 year-old of their decision.
"In confirming to Donadoni his sincere personal gratitude and appreciation for the knowledge and professional manner in which he conducted himself during his time as coach to the national team, President Abete also let the coach know the FIGC's decision to end their relationship at the termination of his contract."
Donadoni's reponse to the announcement was brief and he continued to rue his side's luck in losing by penalty-shootout to Spain.
He told ANSA news agency; "I am sorry that a penalty kick determined this situation. In the two years my Italy also made positive strides, which the last match cannot remove."
Donadoni initially dithered, then eventually signed a contract extension prior to Euro 2008, but it was dependent on Italy reaching the semifinals and he refused to resign in the wake of their penalty shoot-out loss to Spain.
(AFP via China Daily, June 28, 2008)