Lippi's Italy to debut against Austria

Marcello Lippi will hold his first press conference as returning Italy coach on Tuesday and the Italian Football Federation have announced that his second debut will be against Austria in August.

Yesterday the FIGC officially announced that Roberto Donadoni's contract would not be renewed by mutual consent, opening the door for Lippi's comeback to the Azzurri bench.

The 60-year old who lifted the 2006 World Cup will be presented to the media at a press conference at the Parco dei Principi Hotel in Rome next Tuesday at 1400 (UK time).


His only words to the media so far have been to the Italian news agency ANSA. "I am very, very, very happy and very motivated. I'll see you next week."

The FIGC has also confirmed that Lippi's debut match for his second stint will be a friendly against Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria in the French city of Nice on August 20.

Lippi will use that game as vital preperation ahead of the World champions' defence of the World Cup which begins with the qualifying games with Cyprus and Georgia in September.

Source: C4 Football Italia