ROME (AFP) - Italy World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi says he has recharged his batteries and is ready to make a comeback.

Lippi has been out of work since the disastrous defence of Italy's world crown in South Africa last year when the reigning champions crashed out in the group stages.

The 63-year-old had come to the end of his contract and decided to take a break from the game, but now he is looking for work again.

"I'm ready to return because my rest is over. This season I had many offers but I preferred to remain inactive," Lippi told reporters.

"Now I think I've rested enough and I'm able to get back into the scrum.

"I'll evaluate the offers I receive and I'll choose the best, the most interesting one."

Lippi's greatest moment came in 2006 when he guided Italy to the World Cup in Germany. He retired after the final but came back two years later to the national team.

Before that his main success came in two spells as Juventus coach during which he won the Champions League once, reached the final four times and lifted the Serie A title five times.