Marcello Lippi

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Lore & Background

Lippi was appointed head of the Italy national team in July 2004. The Azzurri secured their passage to the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals with relative ease, including friendly victories such as a 3–1 win over the Netherlands and a 4–1 win over Germany. During the late weeks of the 2005–06 season, Lippi was under scrutiny surrounding the 2006 Serie A scandal (Calciopoli), blamed because of his long-standing ties with Juventus, and pressured to step down as Italy coach. Throughout the 2006 World Cup, Lippi rotated several players (fielding 21) and adopted several tactical systems, eventually settling on a 4–2–3–1 formation. Italy beat France 5–3 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw in the final. After winning the World Cup, Lippi stated that this was his "most satisfying moment as a coach." Three days after the final, Lippi did not renew his expiring contract with the FIGC and left his office as coach of Italy, citing insults to himself and his son. He was succeeded by Roberto Donadoni. On 26 June 2008, Lippi was re-appointed as coach of Italy. Italy took part in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup under Lippi, where they suffered a first-round elimination following a 3–0 loss to Brazil. Italy qualified for the 2010 World Cup with two games to spare. For the 2010 World Cup, Lippi selected mostly veterans of the victorious 2006 squad, controversially omitting younger players such as Mario Balotelli and Giuseppe Rossi. Italy's performance was extremely poor, drawing 1–1 with both Paraguay and New Zealand before losing 3–2 to Slovakia and finishing bottom of the group. Lippi resigned after the Slovakia defeat, and was succeeded by Cesare Prandelli.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the Stade de France faded into a hush as the penalty spot loomed large under the Parisian lights. Marcello Lippi stood with his arms crossed, eyes fixed not on the ball, but on the faces of his players. He had seen them doubt themselves in training, but here, amidst the weight of a nation's history, they were steel. When Grosso stepped up and struck the leather past Barthez, Lippi didn't cheer; he simply exhaled, a silent release of years of pressure, before turning to embrace Del Piero as confetti began to fall.

Reader's Guide

Marcello Lippi managed the Italy national team in two spells: from July 2004 until after the 2006 World Cup, and then from June 2008 until after the 2010 World Cup. His most significant achievement remains guiding Italy to victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Under his guidance, the team adopted a 4–2–3–1 formation, with Francesco Totti in the advanced creative role behind target-man Luca Toni, and Andrea Pirlo deployed in the deep-lying playmaking role. The Pirlo–Gattuso partnership in midfield proved extremely effective. Italy's defense, led by captain Fabio Cannavaro and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, only conceded two goals throughout the tournament, of which only one (an own goal) occurred in open play. The squad netted 12 goals in total, with ten of the team's 23 players scoring — a World Cup record. Lippi was praised for rotating players and adopting several tactical systems. After the 2006 World Cup, he left the role, then returned in 2008. His second spell included a first-round elimination at the 2009 Confederations Cup and a group-stage exit at the 2010 World Cup, after which he resigned.

Did You Know?

• Lippi was appointed Italy head coach in July 2004, following a disappointing UEFA Euro 2004 campaign under Giovanni Trapattoni.
• During the 2006 World Cup, Lippi fielded 21 different players and ten of the team's 23 players scored — a World Cup record.
• Italy's defense only conceded two goals in the 2006 World Cup, of which only one (an own goal) occurred in open play.
• Three days after winning the 2006 World Cup, Lippi did not renew his expiring contract, citing insults to himself and his son.
• Lippi was re-appointed as Italy coach on 26 June 2008, after Roberto Donadoni was dismissed following Italy's quarter-final exit at Euro 2008.