China has announced a new head coach for its national football team. The country replaced Gao Hongbo with Marcello Lippi.

Hongbo resigned earlier this month following the team's 2-0 loss to Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Lippi, retired from coaching in 2014, led the Italian national team twice.

Like Us on Facebook

Lippi signed a contract with the Chinese Football Association (CFA) on Saturday.

In a statement, it said that the Lippi's appointment will take effect by Oct. 22. It also stated that the appointment was made after undergoing due selection process and mutual discussions. The association is likely to hold a formal news conference on Oct. 28 to introduce Lippi to the media.

Lippi was earlier selected to return to Chinese Super League with Guangzhou Evergrande. He was lined up to take the place of Luiz Felipe Scolari from next season onwards. However, under new developments, Lippi will be in charge of struggling national football team.

Lippi was behind Guangzhou Evergrande's winning the 2013 AFC Champions League. During his two and a half years long tenure, Lippi also led Evergrande to three domestic title wins. Nevertheless, he quited in November 2014. Guangzhou Evergrande announced that its contract with Lippi was mutually cancelled.

The 68-year-old Italian has vast coaching experienced having led Juventus to Uefa Champions League win in 1996. He also steered Italy's 1996 win in the World Cup.ly

Accoring, Lippi is being paid GBP18 million for his new job with the national team, making him the highest paid manager in the world. Lippi's appointment is likely to boost morale and credibility of Chinese national team.

TagsMarcello Lippi, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Chinese Football Association