Lippi's back... the perfect choice for Azzurri revival

The Azzurri's poor showing in Euro 2008 left the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) with no alternative other than to part with coach Roberto Donadoni.

Many had challenged Donadoni's appointment two years before and now those doubters were proved right. The ex-Milan stalwart had an arduous task to continue where his illustrious predecessor Marcello Lippi had left off after winning the 2006 World Cup.

Frankly, Donadoni's results were rather modest to say the least.

A year ago, there were times when even Italy's qualification to the European Championship was in jeopardy. When the tournament got underway last month, Italy were almost eliminated from the group stages had it not been for Holland's 2-0 win over Romania. A lacklustre performance against Spain in the quarter-finals brought to an end Italy's stay in Switzerland and Austria after a penalty shoot-out.

Getting knocked out from the quarter-finals is not a good enough result for a team of Italy's calibre, even if the reigning world champions were ousted by eventual winners Spain.

Italy's major disappointments in the Euro 2008 were their lacklustre displays, particularly against Holland and Spain, and the poor showings of the 'old guard' - Luca Toni, Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso.

This time around, the FIGC deemed it fit to go for an experienced man at the helm of the national team. And who is better than 'old fox' Lippi to lead the Azzurri on their way to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The debate is on whether Lippi is the right man to help the team defend the crown of world champions in two years' time. Pundits contend that when you reach a peak, there is only one way to go from there and that is down.

But Lippi is a wily man with a winning mentality and a proven pedigree. He was successful with Juventus in his first stint between 1994 and 1999 and even when he returned in 2002 he won back-to-back titles and reached the Champions League final in 2003.

Lippi is a safe option and not a gamble like Donadoni. There were other coaches who were equally successful in a second stint with the same team - like Fabio Capello with Real Madrid (1997 and 2007).

However, there were others who were mere flops, the likes of Carlos Alberto Parreira. He led Brazil to win the 1994 World Cup but faltered badly in 2006.

Repeating success is difficult especially with the same team. A great deal of enthusiasm and self-confidence is needed in such cases.

Lippi has these qualities, though. He has the guile, experience and the tactical acumen to assemble a side capable of challenging for the World Cup in 2010. At present, Italy's squad includes a substantial number of players hovering outside the veteran age.

Qualifying for the next World Cup looks easy prey for Italy as they face modest opposition in Bulgaria, Eire, Cyprus, Georgia and Montenegro in Group Eight.

So, this is the time when Lippi should start building a team.

Players like Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi, Alberto Aquilani, Marco Borriello, Riccardo Montolivo and others will form the backbone of his squad for sure. Lippi is the right man for the job. He oozes confidence in his players and has been through it all in his career.

The way to the 2010 World Cup is still long and enduring for all teams. But the motivation to do well is already brimming inside Lippi and in his new generation of players. Italy's failures and disappointments in Euro 2008 are already something of the past.

The future looks bright as ever... it couldn't be different with someone like Lippi at the helm.