Lippi leaves future open - for now

Italy coach Marcello Lippi wouldn't say yesterday whether he would stay on the job after guiding the Azzurri to their fourth World Cup title.

"I'm not discussing this subject today, because I won't do that with you before I meet with Abete tomorrow morning," Lippi said of Giancarlo Abete, the vice president of the Italian soccer federation and the head of Italy's World Cup delegation.

When Lippi was asked if he had already decided what to do, he kept silent and a smirk developed on his face.

"Whatever my next job is, whether it's with the national team or not, I hope to have the same relationship with the players that I've had here," Lippi said.

By all indications, Lippi made up his mind to leave weeks ago. He feels he and his son, Davide, were attacked personally in the corruption scandal tainting the domestic game.

While he is not under investigation, Lippi was questioned by prosecutors before the World Cup over alleged pressure he received to select certain players for Italy's team. His son is under investigation for his position at a player agency linked to the scandal.

Italy's players chanted "Marcello don't leave us" all through the night.

"Not only on the plane. In the locker room, everywhere," Lippi said.

With or without him, Lippi said Italy has the right mix of players going to the 2008 European Championship.

"I just hope the clubs give these players the rest they require, even during the season," Lippi said.