Marcello Lippi, Italy's World Cup-winning coach, says he will return to the game in the New Year, according to Football Italia. The former Italy coach was linked with a move to Manchester United as a possible replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson, who is expected to retire after his 20th season in charge of the Red Devils. However, Lippi told RAI International that he intends to return to the game next year, even if it's not with a big club. "I have certainly not left football, my intention is to return when I am fully recharged," Lippi said while enjoying his vacation. "I've only taken a pause to reflect, just as I did when I left Juventus some years ago." The former Juventus coach ruled out a return in January, a time in Europe when many heads roll for those in charge of under-performing clubs; he said he hopes to begin negotiations in February or March. "I'm ready to discuss with any club that proposes me a serious plan for next season," he said. "I won't necessarily end up training a big club." When asked who he thought should win this year's Golden Ball, the title that goes to the best European Player of the Year, Lippi (naturally) replied that it should go to one of the seven Italian internationals nominated: Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Gennaro Gattuso, Fabio Grosso, Andrea Pirlo, Luca Toni, and Gianluca Zambrotta. Read the original story...