Update: Lippi named Italy coach after Donadoni's exit

World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has taken charge of the Italy team again in place of Roberto Donadoni, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) said today. "Marcello Lippi returns to the helm of the national team," an FIGC statement said. Donadoni...

World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has taken charge of the Italy team again in place of Roberto Donadoni, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) said today.

"Marcello Lippi returns to the helm of the national team," an FIGC statement said.

Donadoni was told at a meeting with FIGC president Giancarlo Abete earlier on Thursday that he was no longer wanted after the world champions' Euro 2008 quarter-final defeat by Spain.

The FIGC did not have to formally dismiss the 44-year-old as the two-year contract extension he signed just before the tournament was conditional on Italy reaching the semi-finals. They left after a penalty shootout defeat on Sunday.

The statement said Lippi, who led Italy to the World Cup, would be presented at a news conference on Tuesday.

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