Lippi to extend sabbatical

Italy’s World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi looks set to extend his sabbatical from football into next season.

Lippi, who recently turned 59, quit after leading the Azzurri to their fourth World Cup last summer and has taken a year away from the sport.

In previous remarks he had indicated he would be back in the game for the start of the 2007-08 campaign but, speaking to students at Milan’s Catholic University, he indicated he would prolong his break.

“I am a football coach who is temporarily resting,” Lippi told the students.

“That’s why this summer I will be going nowhere. I’ll be off to the beach to go swimming.”

He further indicated he would be out of the game for another “five or six months”.