Lippi Looks to Return to Winning Ways

March 19, 2009

After falling one short of setting a new world record with a run of 32 undefeated matches put to an end by the 2-1 friendly loss to Brazil, Marcello Lippi’s team will be looking to grab six vital points towards qualification for the 2010 World Cup in March and April.

The team plays Montenegro on March 28th, who they were victorious over in their last WC2010 qualification game back on October 15th. Italy, heavily favoured to get the result, will have to keep an eye on striker Mirko Vucinic however, who plays for Italian side A.S. Roma.

Four days later the Azzurri face the Republic of Ireland, who are currently three points back from Italy in Group 8. The Irish side are led by a familiar face to Italian supporters, Giovanni Trapattoni, who led Italy from 2000 to 2004 before being replaced by Lippi following a disappointing Euro 2004 campaign. No stranger to the Italian game, Giovanni has led teams including Juventus, Cagliari and Fiorentina in his time, and will certainly have his Irish side ready to play in a game that could potentially see Ireland go top of the group.

Despite his incredible resume, Lippi will be looking for work this summer if he isn’t able to lead Italy to their expected qualification for the World Cup. When asked about renewing Lippi’s contract, FIGC president Giancarlo Abete stated: “Before we can consider that possibility, we have to think about qualifying for the World Cup.”

That should come as no surprise however, as the Italian public always have high expectations for the current World Cup holders.

The squad list for the upcoming qualifiers has not yet been finalized.

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