Internationals

Lippi Wants Juve Players For First Match

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Marcello Lippi is hoping to rely on a whole host of Juventus players for his first game back in charge of the Italy national team.

Jul 17, 2008 2:41:29 PM

Marcello Lippi, Italy (Foto Grazia Neri)

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Marcello Lippi, Italy (Foto Grazia Neri)

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Lippi, who coached the Azzurri from 2004 to 2006, famously leading them to World Cup glory in Germany, returned to the Italy bench, following the Euro 2008 disappointment, to succeed Roberto Donadoni.

The 60-year-old’s first game back in charge will be a friendly against Austria in Nice on August 20. Historically, Italy tend to struggle in games during August and September, mainly because their domestic season starts later than most other countries in Europe.

In view of this, Lippi is hoping to call up players who are further ahead in their pre-season preparations. Juventus and Fiorentina, who have Champions League preliminaries next month, fall into this category.

A whole host of Bianconeri players could now be called, with the Gazzetta dello Sport saying that Lippi wants Buffon, Chiellini, Camoranesi, Iaquinta and Del Piero.

First of all Lippi needs to receive the blessing of Juve boss Claudio Ranieri because the friendly with Austria sits right in the middle of the first and second leg of the Bianconeri’s Champions League qualifier.

Gianni Wilson