Italian Marcello Lippi's great return to China is now almost a reality. 

The World Cup-winning coach has been back in Guangzhou recently, adding to speculation that he may coach the Chinese national football team again, just three months after he left.

Lippi was contacted by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) to sign a new contract for the national team, with the aim of qualifying for Qatar 2022. The agreement was actually reached and the announcement could soon arrive, according to the "Gazzetta dello Sport."

The 71-year-old Lippi said goodbye to China at the end of January, following China's quarter-final exit at 2019 Asian Cup. 

Meanwhile, the 45-year-old Cannavaro made the announcement on social media and said it was to focus on his family and his job as head coach of Chinese Super League (CSL) side Guangzhou Evergrande.

"With due respect for China as a great country, I feel it's necessary to announce my decision to give up my position as the Chinese men's coach," Cannavaro said.

"I wish to sincerely thank Guangzhou Evergrande football club and the Chinese Football Association for having offered me the position of the Head Coach of the two most important football teams in the country."

The 2006 World Cup winner won his first trophy with Guangzhou Evergrande as a head coach in Chinese Super Cup last season and was named China's new head coach ahead of China Cup on March. However, the team suffered two home defeats, which led to constant criticism.

"This double assignment would take me away from my family for too long. More than one month ago I informed my club about my intention to dedicate myself exclusively to my squad and my players. By maintaining only the position as Head Coach of Guangzhou Evergrande, I hope to contribute to the growth of young Chinese football players, working every day with passion and professionalism. I wish the Chinese National Team all the best for the qualifications to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Thanks again to everybody," added Cannavaro.

If Lippi returns to China – as the Italian and Chinese media have speculated – his task will be to guide China to the 2022 Qatar World Cup and then set up a goal for 2023 Asian Cup.