Italian wonder coach who gave Italy the crown as World Champions resigned today.
Marcello Lippi, 58, who hoisted Italy to World Cup glory on Sunday, beating the French on penalties has dramatically announced he is standing down.
The speculation is that Lippi may return to club football as he leaves the Italian nation shocked by the announcement.
Lippi took over as Italian coach in 2004, but refused to sign a further two year contract.
As Italian domestic football remains in turmoil, it is not clear whether the cloud hanging over the country's domestic game had a hand in the coach's shocking revelation.
Two possibilities for his replacement are claimed to be the former Italian internationals, Claudio Gentile and Roberto Donadoni.
A hearing in Rome to determine the fate of Italian football will be held at the weekend ,as Italians brace themselves for tough questions to be asked by the enquiry.
A string of teams could be relegated from Serie A if the inquest proves that players were involved in match fixing.
Lippi's son, Davide has also been questioned over the affair.
Juventus AC Milan and Lazio could all be in the pipeline for relegation.
In another development German boss Jurgen Klinsmann has also quit.
He said: 'I feel burned out.'
He will take a six month break before contemplating his next move.
Lippi had outwitted the German coach in the semi finals with two last minute wonder goals by his team.
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