It has been confirmed that Marcello Lippi will return to the Italy bench after the departure of Roberto Donadoni earlier this afternoon.

The Viareggio-born mastermind led the Azzurri to World Cup glory in 2006, but he left the job to take a Sabbatical.

Donadoni failed to live up to the expectations generated by his predecessor at Euro 2008 and his contract was declared void earlier today.

The Italian Press have been predicting Lippi’s return for months and now it is official.

The FIGC has confirmed that the former Juventus boss will take the reins and will be unveiled on July 1 in a Press conference in Rome.

“I am very, very, very happy,” Lippi said. “I am also very motivated.”

Between 2004 and 2006, Lippi took charge of Italy for 29 games and picked up 17 wins, 10 draws and just two defeats.

Ref From channel4.com