BERLIN (AFP) - Italy's World Cup winning-coach Marcello Lippi admits he is surprised German giants Bayern Munich have chosen Jurgen Klinsmann as their coach for next season, because of his lack of domestic experience.

Lippi, 59, who led his country to 2006 World Cup success, admitted he was shocked Bayern chose Klinsmann as the replacement for Ottmar Hitzfeld, who is leaving the club at the end of the season.

"Most Serie A coaches have normally worked for three or four years in the B or C leagues before they take a role at a top-flight club," Lippi told the Sunday edition of Die Welt.

"That is a priceless school to get your experience, because it is a good environment to learn your trade."

Lippi stood down as Italy coach after the World Cup and admitted he was approached by Bayern to train their side: "It was a huge honour."

And with Euro 2008 less than four months away, Lippi rates Germany and Italy as amongst the favourites to be crowned European champions at this June's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

As well as praising the good work done by German coach Joachim Loew, the Italian says Loew's decision to stick with Jens Lehmann as goalkeeper, even though he has struggled for first-team football at Arsenal recenty, was the right one.

"Loew has done some good work," said Lippi. "He has created a strong group in the Germany team, which you can't just change, consistency is important.

"If a player in a club team plays badly or lacks game time for whatever reason, it doesn't mean he should just be cut from the national side.

"Loew knows what he is getting with Lehmann, he has masses of experience and you just can't break up the structure, because Lehmann is on the bench."