Former World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi could take charge of the Algeria national team to succeed coach Abdelhak Benchikha who stood down as manager following the crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Morocco in the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier.

The 63-year-old Italian tactician is ready to lead any team outside of Italy after facing criticism for the way Italy crashed out of the 2010 World Cup in the first round.

Algeria is set to compete with one of the most famous teams in China and French side Marseille in signing the Italian legend.

Lippi, served as Italy team head coach from 2004 to 2006, leading them to win the 2006 World Cup.

He was re-appointed as Italy coach in the summer of 2008 after the team's disappointing performance in UEFA Euro 2008 under manager Roberto Donadoni but failed to go through the group stage of the FIFA 2010 World Cup and ended at the bottom of the table in Group F.

Algeria lie bottom of their ACN group with four points, behind Morocco (seven), Central African Republic (seven) and Tanzania (four) at the halfway stage.

The group winners will automatically qualify for the biennial tournament while the runners-up will have to wait to find out whether they finish as one of the best two second-placed teams in the 11 qualifying groups.