Lippi embraces Azzurri dream
Friday 25 June, 2004
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Marcello Lippi has spoken of his joy at taking over the Italy squad, though he could bring in Ciro Ferrara as an assistant manager.
“I am happy, emotional and filled with pride,” commented the Coach after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract. “The national squad is the dream of any tactician, and it certainly was one of my ambitions.”
The former Juventus boss steps in after the unceremonious exit of Giovanni Trapattoni, who failed to reach the final eight in both the World Cup and Euro 2004.
“My first thoughts go out to that fantastic professional, Trapattoni,” noted the new man. “I am very close to him and we often spoke on the phone.”
Trap’s contract does not expire until July 15, but there will be no early end to this deal, so Lippi can only officially take charge on the 16th.
There has already been much speculation on what form Lippi’s Italy side will take, but he did hint that Antonio Cassano and Under-21 internationals Alberto Gilardino, Daniele Bonera and Daniele De Rossi would take a starring role.
“I don’t want to revolutionise the squad. The main structure should remain untouched, with the addition of several young players. I want to bring my experience and enthusiasm to the national side."
"My vision is of a true expression of Italian football, mixing Under-21 internationals who need experience and the kind of great players we saw at Euro 2004. If possible, I’ll ask for help from club Coaches and visit their training sessions.”
The cigar-smoking Coach has won five Scudetto titles and a Champions’ League trophy with Juventus, but failed miserably during his brief spell at Inter.
“The Nazionale will not change me,” he assured, “and I don’t see why it should. In any case, if I do change then it will be for the better.”
There will be a revolution in terms of the staff, with Bordon coming in to train the goalkeepers and Pincolini as fitness Coach.
It has been suggested in several newspapers that Juventus hero Ciro Ferrara could be appointed assistant manager. He already held a position of go-between for the Coach and players during the 1998 World Cup, when he was included in the squad despite not being able to play due to injury.
“Lippi has told me he wants to slim down the Azzurri staff to the bare minimum,” explained FIGC President Franco Carraro. “His wages are slightly less than Trapattoni’s, but the contract can be extended if things go well.”
Carraro today admitted he had made a mistake in not firing Trap after the 2002 World Cup debacle.
“I hope that Lippi’s work will bring the results that Italian football deserves, learning from the negative experience of the World Cup and European Championship.”
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