Lippi offers advice to Italy successors

Marcello Lippi has drawn parallels between Italy’s scandal-hit preparation for Euro 2012 and the lead-in to their 2006 World Cup triumph.

Italy’s build-up for the UEFA tournament in Poland and Ukraine has been disrupted by the Scommessopoli probe into alleged match-fixing, while Italian football was also rocked by the Calciopoli corruption scandal six years ago.

Lippi, who coached Italy to FIFA World Cup glory in Germany six years ago, sees plenty of similarities between the circumstances, and has advised head coach Cesare Prandelli and his men to try and keep their cool.

“The current situation reminds me a bit of what happened in 2006. The only advice I can give Prandelli and the players is to stay calm and try to focus on Euro 2012,” Lippi stated to TG1.

“I still remember that the week at Coverciano (the Italy national team training base) ahead of the 2006 World Cup wasn’t easy for us either.

“However, I think that they will be able to focus on playing football, training and the Euros again as soon as they take off for Poland.”

Italy start Euro 2012 with a Group C match against holders Spain on June 10, before taking on Croatia four days later, and Republic of Ireland on June 18.