World Cup-Winner Marcello Lippi Retires: Latest Details and Reaction

Latest Update from Wednesday, Nov. 5

Fabio Cannavaro has been confirmed as Marcello Lippi's replacement as the new boss of Guangzhou Evergrande.

FIFA reported the news:

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Italy's FIFA World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro was formally unveiled as the new coach of Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande on Wednesday, replacing his former national team coach Marcello Lippi.

[...] At a press conference at the Guangdong club, Lippi said he would retain the title of "head coach". But 41-year-old Cannavaro would take over responsibility for the team's day-to-day affairs as the club's new "executive head coach".

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Original Article from Monday, Nov. 3

Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning manager Marcello Lippi has announced his retirement after leading Guangzhou Evergrande to their fourth successive Chinese Super League title on Sunday.

The 66-year-old Italian said he was stepping down as head coach after a 1-1 draw with Shandong Luneng handed his side the title.

Lippi not only gained success at an international level, but he also successfully managed Juventus to five Serie A titles and the Champions League in 1996.

Buda Mendes/Getty Images

He said he would stay on at Guangzhou in some capacity but pointed to his age as an explanation as to why he was vacating the top job, per Reuters, via The Guardian:

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It is my last match as a head coach for the club. Guangzhou Evergrande will have a new coach next season. I will be 67 years old in the near future, and I do not want to be the head coach any more; but I will be in charge of technical staff as a member of the coaching team.

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Lippi is rightly regarded as one of the best managers and finest football characters of recent years, per football writer Adam Digby, and his decision to retire brings a magnificent career to a close:

Lippi's Italy captain from 2006, Fabio Cannavaro, is reportedly set to take over from his former boss as head coach at Guangzhou, per AFP, via AsiaOne Sports.