Cannavaro pays glowing tribute to outgoing Lippi

WORLD CUP-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro has paid a glowing tribute to Marcello Lippi, who yesterday made an “irrevocable” decision to step down as coach of Italy.

Lippi, the former Juventus boss, chose to quit his post just three days after leading the Azzurri to their fourth World Cup triumph, despite widespread support for him to stay on.

He demonstrated his coaching expertise throughout the tournament, finding the right formula for every match even though injuries and suspensions forced him to use all 20 outfield players in his squad.