Lippi, who led the Azzurri to the trophy in 2006, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.

"In accordance with the strategic needs of the club the decision to hire Marcello Lippi as the head coach of Guangzhou Evergrande was taken," read a club statement.

Lippi, 64, has been out of work since leaving the Italy post following their dismal showing at the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

He replaces Lee Jang-soo, who this week led the club into the last 16 of the AFC Champions League. The club have yet to announce whether Lee will stay on in another capacity.

Lippi, who also won five Scudetti and the 1996 Champions League with Juventus, is excited at his new role.

He told reporters at a news conference: "I am very enthusiastic about coming to China.

"The most important thing is to bring Italian football concepts to China."