Italy boss Lippi dismisses talk of return to Juve

ITALY coach Marcello Lippi yesterday dismissed reports linking him with a return to Juventus.

Italy are currently two points clear of Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland on top of Group 8 and Lippi, who is under contract with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) until after the 2010 World Cup, is adamant he won’t be taking charge at Turin again – either now or after the 2010 World Cup.

Lippi guided Juve to five Scudettos and a UEFA Champions League title during two previous spells at the club but moved yesterday to dismiss speculation he is set to replace Claudio Ranieri as manager.

“When I say I won’t go back to Juve, I also mean after 2010,’’ Lippi said.

“My dream is to remain with Italy even after 2010 unless (FIGC chief executive Giancarlo) Abete gets rid of me before then.

“I’m not going back to Juventus, neither as coach nor as a technical director.

“The reality is this and this alone... the only truth is that I went to lunch with (Juve general manager) Jean-Claude Blanc just as I go to lunch with (AC Milan vice-president Adriano) Galliani, with the Lazio president (Claudio Lotito) and with (Roma general manager) Bruno Conti.

“I’m the coach of the national team and I’m thinking exclusively about that,” he added.