Less than two months before Italy kick off their campaign at Germany 2006, FIFAworldcup.com caught up with Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi on the sea front in his home town of Viareggio.
In this first part of the interview Lippi speaks about his experiences as coach of Italy and recalls the time when, in an ironic reversal of roles, he himself narrowly missed out on selection for the FIFA World Cup™ finals. Discussing the future of the national team, he also talks openly about life without Paolo Maldini.
FIFAworldcup.com: Mr Lippi, you have been coach of Italy for almost two years now. So far, how does being an international manager compare with overseeing a club side?
Marcello Lippi: The two things are like chalk and cheese
. As a club manager you deal with your players on a daily basis, sometimes more often. You work, rest and play with them. You can gradually transmit your way of thinking to them, both in terms of football and life.
With the national team, it's a completely different story?
Here, you only see the players for a week once every couple of months. For all of that, you have the privilege of working with a highly motivated group and the country's most talented players, which gives you the opportunity to build something special. It is therefore essential to be flexible and not just stubbornly pick the players who fit in with your favourite formation and personal view of how football should be played.
Since you became Italy coach, you have probably spent more time at home, and by the sea you love so much.
That's certainly true. There is no doubt that my quality of life has improved since I took the job. I have more time for my family and hobbies, I go and see matches all over the world and can take the time to visit a museum, or taste the local food, for example. Everything is more hectic with a club side: training sessions, getting home late, watching videos of the opposition, a match every three days.
And then, of course, there's the FIFA World Cup coming up.
Exactly. It's perfect for a certain stage in a coach's career. You get to enjoy your private life while working towards a goal that inspires you to do your very best. I'm proud to have been given this opportunity and feel a great sense of responsibility towards the fans.
In the past, what did the FIFA World Cup mean to Marcello Lippi?
It was magical. I'm obviously thinking of that incredible Italy-West Germany match of 1970, but I also have clear memories of Chile-Italy from 1962. What a battle that was! With the 1974 finals looming, Italy's then coach Ferruccio Valcareggi picked me for a game against (Paul) Van Himst's Belgium. I was then tipped as a possible candidate for the final squad of 22, but unfortunately I didn't make the cut.
So the FIFA World Cup in Germany has come 32 years too late for Lippi.
I've been inspired by Fulvio Bernardini, Valcareggi's successor, in the way I've handled the preparations. Bernardini was the man who discovered me as a footballer, and who laid the foundations for both the brilliant Italy side of 1978 and the victorious team of 1982. Following his lead, I gave chances to lots of youngsters last summer and experimented with the team. Now, with the World Cup just around the corner, it's time to draw the conclusions.
Which leaves us with the following 23 players...
(Smiles) Many players are already pretty certain of their places, but it's only fair to leave the door open for as long as possible, so that everyone who is still in with a shout has the same chance to show what they can do.
Looking at your squad, there seems to be a lack of strength in depth in defence while some of the forward players are often on the bench for their club sides.
Believe you me, I'm extremely happy with the players I have available. I think they're some of the best in the world, and I hope to achieve something important with them. Our front men play often enough to keep up a high level of fitness. Of course, each coach has his own preferences.
There's no denying that it would have been great to have Paolo Maldini in defence.
I spoke to both Paolo and Francesco Toldo about their decisions (to retire from international football) when I made my first selection. I wanted to hear it from them personally, and not through the press. Both of them confirmed that they wanted to focus on their club football and spend more time with their families. I spoke to Maldini again some time later, just to make sure, and he hadn't changed his mind.
What if he called you on 14 May saying he had had a change of heart?
That isn't something to joke about – we must respect the group of players we have available.
Fast forward to the summer. Imagine Italy do well and come back as champions...
What do you mean exactly?
I mean, imagine Italy do very well and return as world champions.
OK, let's suppose 'something exceptional happens' - that's probably a better way of putting it, don't you think?
OK so imagine 'something exceptional happens' and you win the FIFA World Cup™. What would be the first thing you would do when you got back to Viareggio?
Here everyone loves fishing and the sea, so I've told my friends to leave their boat engines running when we play those make-or-break matches. If we lose, I'll need to make a quick getaway and hide out at sea. If we win, going out in a boat will be an evocative and peaceful way to celebrate. Joking apart, if the dream did come true, there would be such an explosion of joy that there would be no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Who are the most charismatic players in your squad?
I like to think that they're all charismatic in their own way. For example, (Angelo) Peruzzi has always been the strong silent type, even when he was at Juventus, whereas (Rino) Gattuso is a fiery character who sticks his head above the parapet when the going gets tough . (Alessandro) Del Piero leads through his wisdom, maturity and intelligence. The essential thing is that the players learn from each other, without behaving like prima donnas. Unfortunately some of them think they're the best in the world and can do it all on their own. 
The triumphant Italian team of 1982 included Giuseppe Bergomi, who was then the same age as Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas today. Why is there a distinct lack of young talent in Italy at the moment?
Because in Italy, public opinion wouldn't allow a club to do what Arsenal have done this year. The big teams are worried about finishing in mid-table, so they don't want to risk fielding young players. I'd like to point out, however, that (Daniele) De Rossi and (Giorgio) Chiellini have been playing international football since I first became manager of Italy, when both of them were still very young indeed.
Who do you think will win the inaugural Gillette Best Young Player Award?
I'm a big fan of Cesc Fabregas, but I also think Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are fantastic. I would say that the German Lukas Podolski is also up there, if not quite on a par with those four.
What is the plan from now until the FIFA World Cup?
We're gathering on 22 May and will be at our Coverciano training centre until the 30th. Then we'll leave for Switzerland, where we're playing first the Swiss and then Ukraine. After a short break we're coming back to Coverciano on the evening of 5 June and leaving for Duisburg, our training headquarters in Germany, two days later. We'll have to brush up on our fitness by doing some strength and aerobic work. Ideally, we want to be improving our fitness as the tournament progresses, so that we can really get into our stride during the knockout stages.
Many feel that Italy have been drawn in a difficult and open group where teams could well take points off each other. Are you of the same opinion and do you think that might make it possible to slip up and still go through?
Fundamentally, yes. Ghana have an excellent midfield, with (Abukari) Yakubu in the centre and (Michael) Essien, (Stephen) Appiah and (Sulley Ali) Muntari in support. How the Czech Republic fare will depend greatly on whether (Jan) Koller recovers. He makes space in which his team-mates can attack. Without him they'll have to rely on speed. The United States play more friendlies than any other side, and I've seen them play the most, even if it's often with experimental line-ups. However, I think I've spotted a few things that the games had in common and have a few ideas regarding the game plan of their coach (Bruce Arena). They are a side that are improving dramatically.
During recent years, Italy have not scored many goals, and when they have gone one up they have tended to sit back and try to hold on to the lead. What will the tactics be this year?
No coach would ever say what his tactics will be two months before the actual event. The important thing was to qualify and to boost our confidence as much as possible. Recent friendlies have had this effect and people have started talking about us. However, it's unfair to say that we play a defensive game. We've changed, although we have of course remained true to our traditions. All pre-tournament favourites inevitably begin by focusing on their traditions and later innovate.
Many Juventus fans would love to see you back in Turin at some point in the near future. Which Bianconeri team does the current Italy side remind you of?
When Del Piero is on the pitch, playing on the left, this team is reminiscent of the Juve side that had Gianluca Vialli and Fabrizio Ravanelli joining him in a three-pronged attack. In that formation, the front men were always ready to sacrifice themselves for the good of the team.
Who will be the biggest star of the Germany 2006? Or put it this way: who would you say is a must-have for people playing the McDonald's®/FIFA World Cup™ Official Fantasy Game?
The Italians apart, it would have to be Ronaldinho, a living, breathing advert for the beautiful game. He's rapidly becoming an all-time great.
And what about Inzaghi?
Inzaghi's Italian! All joking aside, as regards Filippo, I can only say that I didn't take too kindly to the recent newspaper headline that said, "Change your mind, Lippi!" Change your mind implies that a decision has already been made, and I can assure you that that is not the case. I'm thinking about it, that's all. All will be revealed on 15 May.
20 April 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com
In this first part of the interview Lippi speaks about his experiences as coach of Italy and recalls the time when, in an ironic reversal of roles, he himself narrowly missed out on selection for the FIFA World Cup™ finals. Discussing the future of the national team, he also talks openly about life without Paolo Maldini.
FIFAworldcup.com: Mr Lippi, you have been coach of Italy for almost two years now. So far, how does being an international manager compare with overseeing a club side?
Marcello Lippi: The two things are like chalk and cheese
. As a club manager you deal with your players on a daily basis, sometimes more often. You work, rest and play with them. You can gradually transmit your way of thinking to them, both in terms of football and life. With the national team, it's a completely different story?
Here, you only see the players for a week once every couple of months. For all of that, you have the privilege of working with a highly motivated group and the country's most talented players, which gives you the opportunity to build something special. It is therefore essential to be flexible and not just stubbornly pick the players who fit in with your favourite formation and personal view of how football should be played.
Since you became Italy coach, you have probably spent more time at home, and by the sea you love so much.
That's certainly true. There is no doubt that my quality of life has improved since I took the job. I have more time for my family and hobbies, I go and see matches all over the world and can take the time to visit a museum, or taste the local food, for example. Everything is more hectic with a club side: training sessions, getting home late, watching videos of the opposition, a match every three days.
And then, of course, there's the FIFA World Cup coming up.
Exactly. It's perfect for a certain stage in a coach's career. You get to enjoy your private life while working towards a goal that inspires you to do your very best. I'm proud to have been given this opportunity and feel a great sense of responsibility towards the fans.
In the past, what did the FIFA World Cup mean to Marcello Lippi?
It was magical. I'm obviously thinking of that incredible Italy-West Germany match of 1970, but I also have clear memories of Chile-Italy from 1962. What a battle that was! With the 1974 finals looming, Italy's then coach Ferruccio Valcareggi picked me for a game against (Paul) Van Himst's Belgium. I was then tipped as a possible candidate for the final squad of 22, but unfortunately I didn't make the cut.
So the FIFA World Cup in Germany has come 32 years too late for Lippi.
I've been inspired by Fulvio Bernardini, Valcareggi's successor, in the way I've handled the preparations. Bernardini was the man who discovered me as a footballer, and who laid the foundations for both the brilliant Italy side of 1978 and the victorious team of 1982. Following his lead, I gave chances to lots of youngsters last summer and experimented with the team. Now, with the World Cup just around the corner, it's time to draw the conclusions.
Which leaves us with the following 23 players...
(Smiles) Many players are already pretty certain of their places, but it's only fair to leave the door open for as long as possible, so that everyone who is still in with a shout has the same chance to show what they can do.
Looking at your squad, there seems to be a lack of strength in depth in defence while some of the forward players are often on the bench for their club sides.
Believe you me, I'm extremely happy with the players I have available. I think they're some of the best in the world, and I hope to achieve something important with them. Our front men play often enough to keep up a high level of fitness. Of course, each coach has his own preferences.
There's no denying that it would have been great to have Paolo Maldini in defence.
I spoke to both Paolo and Francesco Toldo about their decisions (to retire from international football) when I made my first selection. I wanted to hear it from them personally, and not through the press. Both of them confirmed that they wanted to focus on their club football and spend more time with their families. I spoke to Maldini again some time later, just to make sure, and he hadn't changed his mind.
What if he called you on 14 May saying he had had a change of heart?
That isn't something to joke about – we must respect the group of players we have available.
Fast forward to the summer. Imagine Italy do well and come back as champions...
What do you mean exactly?
I mean, imagine Italy do very well and return as world champions.
OK, let's suppose 'something exceptional happens' - that's probably a better way of putting it, don't you think?
OK so imagine 'something exceptional happens' and you win the FIFA World Cup™. What would be the first thing you would do when you got back to Viareggio?
Here everyone loves fishing and the sea, so I've told my friends to leave their boat engines running when we play those make-or-break matches. If we lose, I'll need to make a quick getaway and hide out at sea. If we win, going out in a boat will be an evocative and peaceful way to celebrate. Joking apart, if the dream did come true, there would be such an explosion of joy that there would be no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Who are the most charismatic players in your squad?
I like to think that they're all charismatic in their own way. For example, (Angelo) Peruzzi has always been the strong silent type, even when he was at Juventus, whereas (Rino) Gattuso is a fiery character who sticks his head above the parapet when the going gets tough
. (Alessandro) Del Piero leads through his wisdom, maturity and intelligence. The essential thing is that the players learn from each other, without behaving like prima donnas. Unfortunately some of them think they're the best in the world and can do it all on their own. The triumphant Italian team of 1982 included Giuseppe Bergomi, who was then the same age as Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas today. Why is there a distinct lack of young talent in Italy at the moment?
Because in Italy, public opinion wouldn't allow a club to do what Arsenal have done this year. The big teams are worried about finishing in mid-table, so they don't want to risk fielding young players. I'd like to point out, however, that (Daniele) De Rossi and (Giorgio) Chiellini have been playing international football since I first became manager of Italy, when both of them were still very young indeed.
Who do you think will win the inaugural Gillette Best Young Player Award?
I'm a big fan of Cesc Fabregas, but I also think Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are fantastic. I would say that the German Lukas Podolski is also up there, if not quite on a par with those four.
What is the plan from now until the FIFA World Cup?
We're gathering on 22 May and will be at our Coverciano training centre until the 30th. Then we'll leave for Switzerland, where we're playing first the Swiss and then Ukraine. After a short break we're coming back to Coverciano on the evening of 5 June and leaving for Duisburg, our training headquarters in Germany, two days later. We'll have to brush up on our fitness by doing some strength and aerobic work. Ideally, we want to be improving our fitness as the tournament progresses, so that we can really get into our stride during the knockout stages.
Many feel that Italy have been drawn in a difficult and open group where teams could well take points off each other. Are you of the same opinion and do you think that might make it possible to slip up and still go through?
Fundamentally, yes. Ghana have an excellent midfield, with (Abukari) Yakubu in the centre and (Michael) Essien, (Stephen) Appiah and (Sulley Ali) Muntari in support. How the Czech Republic fare will depend greatly on whether (Jan) Koller recovers. He makes space in which his team-mates can attack. Without him they'll have to rely on speed. The United States play more friendlies than any other side, and I've seen them play the most, even if it's often with experimental line-ups. However, I think I've spotted a few things that the games had in common and have a few ideas regarding the game plan of their coach (Bruce Arena). They are a side that are improving dramatically.
During recent years, Italy have not scored many goals, and when they have gone one up they have tended to sit back and try to hold on to the lead. What will the tactics be this year?
No coach would ever say what his tactics will be two months before the actual event. The important thing was to qualify and to boost our confidence as much as possible. Recent friendlies have had this effect and people have started talking about us. However, it's unfair to say that we play a defensive game. We've changed, although we have of course remained true to our traditions. All pre-tournament favourites inevitably begin by focusing on their traditions and later innovate.
Many Juventus fans would love to see you back in Turin at some point in the near future. Which Bianconeri team does the current Italy side remind you of?
When Del Piero is on the pitch, playing on the left, this team is reminiscent of the Juve side that had Gianluca Vialli and Fabrizio Ravanelli joining him in a three-pronged attack. In that formation, the front men were always ready to sacrifice themselves for the good of the team.
Who will be the biggest star of the Germany 2006? Or put it this way: who would you say is a must-have for people playing the McDonald's®/FIFA World Cup™ Official Fantasy Game?
The Italians apart, it would have to be Ronaldinho, a living, breathing advert for the beautiful game. He's rapidly becoming an all-time great.
And what about Inzaghi?
Inzaghi's Italian! All joking aside, as regards Filippo, I can only say that I didn't take too kindly to the recent newspaper headline that said, "Change your mind, Lippi!" Change your mind implies that a decision has already been made, and I can assure you that that is not the case. I'm thinking about it, that's all. All will be revealed on 15 May.
20 April 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com
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