Lippi pride at Azzurri’s record result

ITALY boss Marcello Lippi beamed with pride after equalling legendary coach Vittorio Pozzo’s record of 30 successive games undefeated.

Lippi pulled off the feat when the Azzurri beat Montenegro 2-1 in Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier in Lecce.

Pozzo guided Italy to two World Cup triumphs and a gold medal at the Olympics in the 1930s.

“To be compared to a legend like Pozzo is fantastic,” Lippi said, who is in his second stint as national coach after leading Italy to the World Cup in 2006.

“Thirty consecutive results is like a season and it has run through World Cup glory and an attempt to renew the team.”

Lippi, who reclaimed the national team reins following Italy’s Euro 2008 quarter-final exit, praised his players who are unbeaten in four World Cup qualifiers and lead Group Eight.

The Azzurri are three points clear of Ireland, who have a game in hand.

“My players have done 10 fantastic days or work,” he said. “I am delighted. We have taken four points in two games and we are trying to rebuild a team.”

Wednesday’s game was a double delight for Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

Aquilani scored his first goal for the senior team to give Italy the lead against Montenegro before firing the winner.

“It is the dream of any player,” said Aquilani. “To be a starter, wear the number 10 in the national team, score your first goal but to strike twice in one night and help the team win is an incredible feeling.

“I will not forget this day.”