Marcello Lippi
World Cup-winning manager and one of football's greatest coaches.
Marcello Romeo Lippi (born 12 April 1948) is an Italian former professional football player and former manager, who led the Italy national team to victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was appointed as Italy head coach in the summer of 2004 and 2008, and he was succeeded by Cesare Prandelli after a disappointing performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Marcello Romeo Lippi
- Born
- 12 April 1948
- Birthplace
- Viareggio, Italy
- Height
- 1.82 m / 6 ft
- Position
- Sweeper
- Total caps
- 363
- Total goals
- 7
Lore & Background
Lippi is regarded as one of the greatest and most successful managers in football history. He is the first and to date the only coach to win both the UEFA Champions League and the AFC Champions League. He is also the first coach to have won the most prestigious international competitions both for clubs in different continents, and for national teams (the UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup in 1996 with Juventus; the AFC Champions League in 2013 with Guangzhou Evergrande; and the FIFA World Cup in 2006 with Italy). The Times included him on its list of the top 50 managers of all time in 2007. He was named the world's best football manager by the IFFHS in 1996 and 1998 and the world's best National coach in 2006.
Reader's Guide
Lippi began his professional career as a defender in 1969. He spent most of his playing years with Sampdoria, except for a year on loan at Savona. He later played for Pistoiese and finished his playing career with Lucchese. He retired from active football in 1982 to pursue a coaching career.
He started as a youth-team coach at Sampdoria, then coached in Italy's lower divisions, becoming a head coach in Serie A in 1989 with Cesena. He later coached Lucchese, Atalanta, and Napoli. He then managed Juventus, Inter Milan, and returned to Juventus. He was appointed Italy head coach in July 2004.
During the 2006 World Cup, he rotated several players and adopted several tactical systems, eventually settling on a 4–2–3–1 formation. Italy beat France 5–3 in a penalty shoot-out in the final after a 1–1 draw. After the World Cup, he did not renew his contract and left the role. He was re-appointed as Italy coach on 26 June 2008.
Italy took part in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup under Lippi, suffering a first-round elimination. Italy qualified for the 2010 World Cup with two games to spare. He was succeeded by Cesare Prandelli after a disappointing performance in the 2010 World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Marcello Lippi?
He is a legendary Italian football manager best known for leading the national team to victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Before coaching, he had a playing career as a midfielder, but his greatest impact came from modernizing the Azzurri's tactical approach.
What is Marcello Lippi's biggest achievement?
His crowning accomplishment remains guiding Italy to win the 2006 FIFA World Cup final against France in Berlin. This victory secured his status as one of the most successful coaches in Italian history and cemented his legacy among fans.
How did Marcello Lippi change the team?
He revolutionized the Azzurri by combining traditional defensive strength with a more dynamic attacking style suited for modern football. His tactical genius allowed him to maximize the potential of star players during high-pressure matches.
Is Marcello Lippi still coaching Italy?
No, he has retired from his duties as manager of the national team following his second tenure. While he remains a revered figure in Italian football history, he is no longer actively leading the squad on the pitch.
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