Lippi: 'I almost joined Lazio'

By Football Italia staff

Marcello Lippi reveals he was “close to becoming Lazio Coach several times,” but went to Inter and Guangzhou Evergrande instead.

The World Cup winner spoke to Elleradio about the turns his career path did not take.

“I was close to becoming Lazio Coach several times, both when Sergio Cragnotti was President and in Claudio Lotito’s time.

“With Cragnotti I came to Rome, he took me out to dinner, but then he hesitated and in the end I agreed terms with Inter.

“With the current President there was definite contact just before I went to China. I had already given my word to Guangzhou and didn’t want to go back on that. If it weren’t for that verbal agreement, I would’ve come to Lazio.”

Stefano Pioli is on the Olimpico bench instead and has the Aquile sitting in joint second place.

“I really like him, he’s a Coach who has all the characteristics I consider to be indispensable for a successful tactician.

“He doesn’t seem obsessed with systems, he’s a calm fellow who keeps his squad level-headed and believes very much in the fruits of his labour.

“After many years of Juventus dominance, this season there are many clubs capable of targeting the top and it’s very balanced, which makes the League fascinating.

“There’s still such a long way to go and anything could happen. Even Lazio, who are two points off top spot, have the duty to believe in a Scudetto run.”

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