Lippi Returns

Marcello Lippi replaced Roberto Donadoni, June 26, 2008, as manager of the Italian National team.

The Italian Football Federation made the announcement just days following the Azzurri’s departure from Euro 2008.

The shameful thing about this situation is that Italy was knocked out on penalty kicks at Euro 2008. Oh, the dreaded penalty kicks.

True, Italy did not show much heart during the competition… they barely escaped the group stage. But did Donadoni truly have to exit following Euro 2008?

Also, just days before Euro 2008, Donadoni signed a two year contract extension. The catch was that the Italian Football Federation had a 10 day out following Euro 2008. In other words, if the IFA wanted Donadoni out after Euro 2008, they had 10 days to act… and they did.

Lippi was the manager who led the Italians to the 2006 World Cup championship. Lippi returned to the reins after the Italians less-than-impressive Euro 2008 campaign.

Lippi signed a contract that will run through the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.