Marcello Lippi

The decorated coach of Italy’s World Cup 2006-winning team reveals why being in the football business makes you a poor traveller

“MY job involves a fair bit of travelling, but the opportunity to visit the destinations you reach when you play away is zero. We just don’t have time on our hands. With matches every three days (in major tournaments), we really do get there at the last minute and leave as soon as the match is over. And it’s all about training before games.

“But despite these pressures, you can still manage to get a taste of the place. If I like a town, I do try to go back to visit.

“I must admit, the emotional factor and the memories tied to a good game play a big part in my decision to travel back to that city or country. For instance, when I was invited to Cairo for a coaching lesson with the Egyptian football team, there was a prize ceremony held next to the sphinx and it was such a striking experience. And there was a time when I coached (Italian league side) Juventus and we played in Vietnam. Hundreds of Vietnamese kids paraded on the football pitch wearing the Juventus uniform. Incredible.

“But it’s Berlin that holds a special place in my heart. We won the FIFA World Cup 2006 there and the emotions linked to the city are so overwhelming. I went back for a visit and found out that it is also an amazingly vibrant place, rich in history, art and architecture.

“I travel to London quite often. The last time was in April for La Dolce Vita, an annual event promoting tourism to Italy, where I received a lifetime achievement award. London is particularly great for getting lost in. I love wandering around the streets. And it is such a cosmopolitan and unique city. People feel free to dress the way they want and to be what they want, I love it.

“My dream holiday destination has always been the Maldives, a place I never had a chance to visit until I decided to take time off from the football pitch. With ongoing training sessions and so many matches back to back during league seasons, going on holiday to exotic destinations – especially in the winter months – has always been impossible for me.

“In summer, I tend to stay in Italy. I have a boat and I enjoy sailing around the Argentario coast in Tuscany – there are countless unspoilt beaches and islets. Sardinia is also on my sailing map, but I avoid places like Porto Cervo or Porto Rotondo, a footballers’ and celebrities’ hangout. I am a very private person and like to enjoy the company of my family and just a few friends. With a job like mine you are always under the spotlight, and for my holidays I just want to steer clear of the media radar.

“As for my forecasts about who’s going to win the European Championships… Italy of course!”