Marcello Lippi, who coached Italy to their World Cup triumph two years ago, last night returned to the post after the departure earlier in the day of Roberto Donadoni.

Donadoni left after Italy lost to Spain in the Euro 2008 quarter-final. Italy’s football federation did not have to dismiss the 44-year-old Donadoni formally as the two-year contract extension he signed before the tournament was conditional on Italy reaching the semi-finals.

Italy won just one game at Euro 2008 under Donadoni, and looked to struggle in their Euro 2008 qualifying group. The former Italy and Milan midfielder, who took charge in July 2006 after the World Cup win in Germany was unrepentant after Sunday’s defeat, saying he was proud of his side’s performance.