'World Cup dreams' - Lippi back as China coach, four months after leaving

Marcello Lippi was back as coach of China on Friday, four months after the World Cup winner quit and following a failed stint by fellow Italian Fabio Cannavaro.

The 71-year-old Lippi's return to the top job in Chinese football had been widely tipped in domestic media and will be welcomed by fans.

Lippi, who vacated the role after China were dumped out of the Asian Cup quarter-finals 3-0 by Iran in late January, is tasked with guiding the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

China have reached the World Cup only once, in 2002, when they exited without a point or scoring a goal.

"Since Lippi coached the national team, they have shown a positive and tenacious fighting spirit," the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said.

"We believe that in the days to come, under the leadership of Lippi and his coaching team, the national men's side will make a full impact on their World Cup dreams."