Marcello Lippi returns as Chinese national team coach

File photo of Marcello Lippi. [Photo: IC]

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has approved the decision to hire Italian coach Marcello Lippi as coach of the national team as it prepares for the Asian qualifying matches of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, a statement by CFA said on Friday.

Lippi will lead the team in training sessions and matches next month.

"When Lippi was previously in charge of the national team, the players showed a positive attitude and a fighting spirit. We believe that with Lippi and his team of assistant coaches, the Chinese men's football team will leave no stone unturned in realizing their dream of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup," the CFA said in a statement.

The 71-year-old Lippi first took charge of China in 2016, before leaving the role in January this year when his contract expired after the Asian Cup. His protege Fabio Cannavaro took over the post in conjunction with coaching Guangzhou Evergrande, but left the national team in April to focus solely on his club duties.

(Story includes material sourced from Xinhua.)