There is a renewed optimism to the squad now that Marcello Lippi has taken over the reins. The Italian wasting no time in naming a roster for their next series of World Cup qualifying matches set for later this month.

Lippi takes over after Gao Hongbo departed following the squad's disappointing through the latest phase of qualifying.

The 2006 World Cup winning coach is expected to help turn China's fortunes around, as they have managed just one draw and three losses in their matches in the Asian Zone.

Veteran Zheng Zhi returns to the national team. Zheng served as captain of Guangzhou Evergrande when Lippi was coach at the Super League club from 2012-2014.

The Italian selected seven players from his former team Evergrande. Beijing Guoan, Shanghai SIPG and Shandong Luneng also contributed several players respectively. Li Tie will take over Guo Bingyan role as team liason between the national team and the CFA. He held a similar role at Guangzhou when Lippi coached the Super League club.