view photoBADEN, Austria (Reuters) - Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said on Monday he would not quit despite their Euro 2008 quarter-final exit, maintaining his view that the world champions had played well in the tournament.
Critics have said a woeful Italy lacked ideas and energy in Austria and Switzerland and Italian media expect Donadoni to be sacked by the country's soccer federation with 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi poised to return.
view photoAn escape clause in Donadoni's new two-year contract means it would cost less to dismiss him in the next 10 days. The federation is reviewing his position and will hold talks with the coach.
"Absolutely no," Donadoni told a news conference when asked if he had considered resigning following Sunday's loss on penalties to Spain after a drab 0-0 draw.
"I don't have a reason. We only lost a game on penalties. You can't say things work when you win but don't work when you lose on penalties. We will talk and decide. It doesn't make any sense to talk about whether I deserve to carry on."
He refused to make excuses for the exit, such as captain Fabio Cannavaro's injury before the tournament and the international retirements of top striker Francesco Totti and defender Alessandro Nesta last year.
A relaxed Donadoni also denied widespread accusations that his side were too defensive but said his players were tired, with forward Luca Toni especially lacklustre.
"After a tough season...it is difficult to see a team playing sparklingly and brilliantly," he added.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
Comment 1 - 4 of 4
Ma Mia! What happened? Vito two slices with extra cheese.
as a female football fan and fellow Iti living in London i have always felt proud of the Azzurri, but in this last tournament they have played terribly and if they had gone though on penalties it would have been a travesty for all those teams who played well throughout the tournament and went out on penalties.
we simply were not good enough,he manager is one element , the players looked tired and worn and most importantly it looked as if they really didn't want to be there.
lets pick ourselves up and become the azzurri of bygone years, proud to wear their jerseys and fighting till the bitter end Forza Azzurri!!
italy played well,but luca toni did not!!! donadoni should have changed him(toni) with del piero...del piero is a lot better then him(toni)!!. chiellini, de rossi, grosso, zambrotta, ambrossini, camoranesi and boffon where the best that played(and at the end del piero)!
de natale did not play so well even!!...
i think donadoni should be changed..and m. lippi should be their coach again! i think they will do a bigger progress!
and they should play del piero more in the game, as he came in more chances were made and after all he diserves to be the captain and he is espirianced in many ways!he is one of the best player the world has seen, and it is a waste not to play him!!aspecially when the team really needs him(alessandro del piero)....
FORZA AZZURI/JUVENTUS.
Italy played well... their comedia del arte. But great ! because it's over for them
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