Lippi eyes one more job before retirement

Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi has stated that he is not ready to retire from the game just yet and is eager to find one last job with a national team.

The 63-year-old led his homeland to success at the World Cup in 2006 and has won a raft of trophies at both club and international level.

Despite not having worked since 2010, the Viareggio-born trainer has revealed eagerness to get back into a new role.

“My career is almost over, but not just yet,” the ex-Juventus boss told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I’ve had lots of offers but I’ve decided not to return to a club team. I’m waiting for a call from a national team, that I’d like for my last job. Obviously it won’t be Italy, who I have coached twice.”

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s in Europe or Asia. The important thing is that they are an ambitious national team.”

“The ideal thing would be to have two years to prepare for the World Cup,” he added.

When quizzed about the Serie A campaign so far this term, the veteran coach revealed his belief that one of his old clubs could go all the way and win the Scudetto.

“Juventus can already think of the championship, although anything can happen in this league. The race is between Inter, AC Milan and Juventus,” Lippi said.

“(Antonio) Conte is working well and Juventus have returned to a positive environment.”

The celebrated boss enjoyed two spells in charge of the Turin club between 1994-99 and 2001-04, winning five Serie A titles and a Champions League trophy among other successes.