"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 Italian national team," Lippi said in a statement from the Italian football federation.

Lippi, who won five Serie A titles and the European Cup during two spells at Juventus, was also broadly encouraged to remain in charge of the Azzurri, especially after their triumph three days ago. However, he expressed an intention to resign after the finals weeks ago, after he and his son were questioned with relation to the on-going corruption scandal in Italian football.

Although he is not under investigation, Lippi was questioned by prosecutors about alleged pressure he received to select certain players for Italy. Davide Lippi is under investigation for his position at a player agency linked to the scandal.

Meanwhile, Klinsmann has decided not to extend a contract that expired at the end of the finals. A news conference this morning confimed local media reports that the former Germany forward, who won the World Cup as a player in 1990, will be replaced by Joachim Loew, his assistant.

Klinsmann had received the overwhelming support of both public and German football officials to continue in the role after leading an unfancied team to third place, but decided to leave on a high after consultation with his family.

Neither Klinsmann nor Lippi revealed any plans for the future, although the 58-year-old Italian has previously expressed an intention to remain in the game and Klinsmann, 41, is expected to return to his home in the United States before listening to any offers. Both, however, will become obvious targets for club teams in Europe as well as other national sides.

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