Lippi returns as Italy depose Donadoni
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Article summary
The Italian Football Federation announced its decision to part company with Roberto Donadoni today and confirmed that former coach Marcello Lippi will take his place.
Article top media content
Article body
Dedication praised
Donadoni's position had been under threat after it emerged yesterday that the 44-year-old's contract would only have been automatically extended to 2010 if the Azzurri had reached the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2008™. A quarter-final penalty shoot-out loss to Spain put paid to that, leaving the FIGC to say today: "We confirm our respect for Donadoni as a person and for the dedication of his work at the helm of the national team. However, the president of the federation, [Giancarlo] Abete told him of the decision to bring his contract to an end."
Lippi returns
Lippi will take the helm for the second time in his career having initially been appointed in place of Giovanni Trapattoni following Italy's elimination from UEFA EURO 2004™. The former Juventus and FC Internazionale Milano coach led his country to FIFA World Cup glory in 2006 but vacated his positon just days after their triumph in the final against France.
