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Lippi equals world record with Italy
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-20 11:40
ATHENS -- Italy coach Marcello Lippi equalled the world record of 31 successive international games unbeaten as the world cup champions drew 1-1 with hosts Greece in Wednesday's friendly.

Italy's coach Marcello Lippi applauds before the start of their World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer match against Montenegro in Lecce, October 15 2008. [Agencies]

Luca Toni equalized in the 54th minute to secure the tie for Italy after Greece's Fanis Gekas helped the hosts lead four minutes earlier.

The draw in Athens took Lippi, who's in his second stint with Italy, level with Javier Clemente of Spain and Alfio Basile of Argentina on the unbeaten mark of their respective teams in charge.

It also saw Lippi beat the Italian record of 30 set by Vittorio Pozzo between 1935 and 1939.

Lippi's record covers the duration of Italy's World Cup winning campaign in Germany when he ran his first charge from 2004 to 2006.

He was reappointed this year after Italy's poor performance at the European Championships under Roberto Donadoni.

"The unbeaten streak in itself is meaningless without that important victory," commented Lippi.

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