In China, the men's national team is reeling after a slow start to the final stage of their campaign to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The PRC have no wins, one draw, and three losses after four matches.

Coach Gao Hongbo stepped down over those disappointing results, but now in an unexpected twist, the latest speculation has Marcello Lippi reportedly set to take over on the touchline.

The Italian has already enjoyed success in China, leading Guangzhou Evergrande to the AFC Champions League title in 2013. According to domestic media reports, Lippi, who left Guangzhou after the 2014 season, is likely to take charge for the six remaining qualifiers. The 68-year-old is a decade removed from managing his home country to victory at the 2006 World Cup.

Since Gao resigned following the PRC's 2-0 loss to Uzbekistan, the Chinese Football Association has been looking to put a new coach in place by November 1st. China will host Qatar 15 days later.