Lippi returns for Italy as Donadoni axed
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Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has returned to the post following the sacking of Roberto Donadoni, the Italian Football Federation announced overnight.
Donadoni's position had been under threat since the World Cup holders crashed out of Euro 2008 losing to Spain in the quarter-finals.
FIGC president Giancarlo Abete said he and Donadoni had discussed the performance of the Azzurri at the organisation's headquarters in Rome and "examined the activities (of the team) over the past two years and the European Championships," a statement read.
"Marcello Lippi will return as coach of Italy," added a further statement.
The FIGC said that Lippi - who has not held a coaching post since taking Italy to the penalty shoot-out win over France in the 2006 World Cup final - would be unveiled at a press conference in Rome on July 1.
-AFP
