Italy aim to regain champions' swagger on Lippi's return

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

NICE, France (AFP) — Italy are aiming to put their disappointing Euro 2008 campaign behind them and regain the aura of world champions here on Wednesday, when Marcello Lippi starts his second stint as national team coach with a friendly against Austria.

While nothing is officially at stake, the match is important as it is Lippi's only chance to knock his side into shape before they begin the serious business of defending their world title in next month's South Africa 2010 qualifiers away in Cyprus and at home to Georgia.

Lippi's last match on the Azzurri bench was the 2006 World Cup final victory over France in Berlin and the 60-year-old wants to continue where he left off.

"Starting again is even more beautiful," Lippi, who was recalled to replace Roberto...