Marcello Lippi claims the Azzurri 'go to Euro 2016 to win it, but they must keep a low profile'.
The former Coach is once again being linked with the national team, as many believe he will be the new technical director, working in a team together with his old captain Fabio Cannavaro.
“It's better to start away from the spotlight, saying that Italy are not the favourites,” Lippi told Rai Radio 1 about the upcoming European tournament. “If we'd won against Brazil in 1994 we'd have five World Cups, as many as they do.
Marcello Lippi claims the Azzurri 'go to Euro 2016 to win it, but they must keep a low profile'.
The former Coach is once again being linked with the national team, as many believe he will be the new technical director, working in a team together with his old captain Fabio Cannavaro.
“It's better to start away from the spotlight, saying that Italy are not the favourites,” Lippi told Rai Radio 1 about the upcoming European tournament. “If we'd won against Brazil in 1994 we'd have five World Cups, as many as they do.
“Italy always goes to these tournaments to win them. But it's quite clear that we're going with less expectations this time, and that the odds are not in our favour.
“It's understandable that yesterday night the team should not have been brilliant, it's what happens when you call players back onto the pitch. That's why it must be done quite a while before the beginning of the tournament.”
Lippi then went on to describe the current iteration of the Azzurri in terms of their football qualities.
“As a team we are aggressive and fast on the counter, with the Juve core in defence and a very compact group. As always, the Nazionale will have its say in the Euros.
“There are a few champions in this squad, everything else will depend on the drive and on Antonio Conte's excellent work.
“The team needs to maintain their historical qualities: a great goalkeeper, a great defence, a great core within the team, which has often been that of Juventus.
“I won't name the players that I think will make the difference. Let's wait till the final list of call-ups comes out, I shouldn't like to name someone that doesn't make the tournament.”
The World Cup-winning Coach was then asked about the differences between his Azzurri and the current squad.
“There are certainly a few differences. I could select from a pool which had 65 per cent of Italian players, now Antonio only has about 35 per cent to pick from.
“There should be a limit to the foreigners, even if it's just a pact of honour among the clubs. Ideally we should have 6/11 Italians on the pitch.
“Conte has to make some decisions and some experiments at the moment. He faced three-four important injuries, all in the midfield.
“After the Euros, whoever takes the reins of Italy will have to rebuild a group capable of qualifying for the next World Cup.”
Finally, Lippi was asked whether he would join the Azzurri again, and in what role.
“For now the only blue in my future is that of Viareggio's sea. I always said that I'd like to work with the Azzurri in a role other than that of the Coach.
“But it's always down to the federation or the club to communicate their decisions.
“[Fabio] Cannavaro? He is certainly destined for something important. He's charismatic and he knows the right people, and he'll doubtlessly do well.
“I don't know whether he'll bring these qualities to bear for a club or for the federation. We'll see.”