Marcello Lippi has resigned as coach of Italy after leading his country to a fourth World Cup title.

Despite widespread calls for him to stay on at the helm after Italy's win over France on penalties, Lippi has decided the time is right to quit.

The 58-year-old feels he and his son, Davide, were attacked personally in the match-fixing and corruption scandal tainting the domestic game.

Lippi failed to attend a meeting with the Italian Federation on Tuesday.

"At the end of an extraordinary professional and human experience, experienced as the head of an exceptional group of players...I believe my role is over as the guide of the team," he said.

The former Juventus coach was recently linked with a move to Manchester United as a potential successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Lippi was quick to reject the speculation - citing his lack of English as his reason for not moving to the Premiership - and United also denied the rumours.

While he is not under investigation, Lippi was questioned by prosecutors before the World Cup about alleged pressure he received to select certain players for Italy's national team.

Davide Lippi is under investigation for his position at a player agency linked to the scandal.

The World Cup final finished 1-1 before Italy won the shoot-out 5-3 and Lippi described the victory as "the most satisfying moment of my life".

according to reports, AC will have to play qualifying round 1st IINM.

AC Milan stay in Serie A with their penalty cut from 15 points to eight.

Milan have also been allowed to play in the Champions League qualifying rounds this season - having originally been barred from Europe.

The Italian Football League have taken the decision to put the start of the Serie A season back to the weekend of September 9-10.

The Serie A and Serie B seasons were due to get underway on August 27, but the fallout from the match-fixing scandal has prompted the change.

Juventus have lodged an appeal with the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) against the sanctions imposed on them and Fiorentina and Lazio are expected to follow suit.

The results of the appeals may not come until the end of August and the governing body felt it wise to change the start date for the new term which will now run until May 25.