Lippi returns to Azzurri helm
26 Jun 2008 - 18:16:44
The Italian Football Federation have confirmed that Marcello Lippi has returned to coach the national team, following the sacking of Roberto Donadoni.
Donadoni has paid the price for the Azzurri failing to make it past the quarter-finals at Euro 2008, with Lippi returning to the post two years after he led Italy to World Cup glory in Germany.
For his part, Donadoni said he was proud of his time in charge, which ended with a penalty shootout loss to Spain.
He said after learning of the decision to send him packing: "I'm disappointed that a penalty kick can cause this situation.
"But over the last two years my Italy side have done something good and one game can't change that. It was a stupendous experience and I would do it all again immediately.
"In fact, I would do everything again because I have a clear conscience for everything I have done.
"There hasn't been any financial compensation, but that doesn't interest me. Money is useful for everyone, but it was never a problem for me.
"On the day I picked the squad, when president Giancarlo Abete mentioned the possibility of compensation I said that there was no need."