Press call for Italy to get Lippi

The Italian media are calling for the return of Marcello Lippi to the national team after the Azzurri's departure from Euro 2008.

Roberto Donadoni's side crashed out on penalties to Spain, after struggling through the group stage with one win in three games to reach the quarter-finals, but the head coach has announced he will not step down from his role in charge of the team, but the decision may not be in his hands.

Now reports in Italy claim that Lippi could be back in charge before the weekend, with Newspaper Corriere dello Sport, claiming under the headline "Italy, Lippi Returns", that FIGC president Giancarlo Abete will be in touch with Lippi as soon as the Italian contingent arrives home.

Just prior to the start of Euro 2008, Donadoni signed a contract extension with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) that ran until the conclusion of the 2010 World Cup.

The FIGC announced the new deal as a reward for the former AC Milan star who took over from Lippi two years ago following Italy's success at the 2006 World Cup.

However, the new contract includes a reciprocal escape clause that can be put into effect within 10 days of Italy's exit from the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.