Lippi needing a Chinese miracle at Asian Cup

China coach Marcello Lippi has put his players through a tough month of training ahead of the Asian Cup, but the decorated Italian will need to inspire something special if his ageing side are to be serious contenders.
Lippi looks set to leave the well-paid post when his contract expires after the tournament in the United Arab Emirates, which begins Saturday, and at the age of 70 the end of his coaching career is in sight.
He is aiming to add an Asian Cup to a long managerial CV that includes the 2006 World Cup as well as a Champions League medal and five Italian league titles with Juventus.
Lippi was also a Chinese Super League winner three times in a row with Guangzhou Evergrande from 2012 to 2014. But his two years in charge of the national side have been underwhelming.