Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed speculation he is set to take over as Italy coach from Roberto Donadoni after Euro 2008.

"It pleases me to hear my name linked to the Azzurri bench, but I believe it is impossible," Ancelotti said.

"I could only train the national team after 2010 (when my contract with Milan expires).

"Donadoni deserves to stay, he is doing well and I hope he faces the European Championship with the utmost calm and takes the national team to the 2010 World Cup."

Thursday's Italian Federation statement that Donadoni's future would not be decided until after Euro 2008 in June had fuelled media speculation linking Ancelotti to the job.

Reuters