Euro 2008 - Donadoni on brink of losing job

Eurosport - Wed, 25 Jun 15:15:00 2008

Italy boss Roberto Donadoni is set to lose his job after it emerged that reaching the Euro 2008 semi-finals was a condition of his contract.

FOOTBALL Euro 2008 Italy Donadoni Malpensa - 0

The world champions lost Sunday's quarter-final against Spain on penalties, meaning the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) will not need to sack Donadoni if speculation that it wants to recall his predecessor Marcello Lippi proves true.

"The contract features an automatic two-year renewal in the case of reaching the semi-finals, which unfortunately did not happen," (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete told reporters on Wednesday.

"Otherwise the parties have 10 days after elimination from the European Championship to assess whether to continue with the contract. If I decided not to keep the coach I would not have to proceed with a dismissal."

Abete said he would hold talks in the next few days with the 44-year-old Donadoni.

According to reports, the FIGC is expected to announce early next week 2006 World Cup-winning coach Lippi will return. Donadoni will receive no compensation if he loses his job.

It had been rumoured FIGC would pay six months salary, an estimated 550,000 euros (£430,000), to terminate the contract extension the coach signed ahead of Euro 2008.

However, Donadoni said he asked for the compensation package to be taken out of the deal.

"I said 'no' to the proposal the president made me on the day of renewal," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I'm not interested in the economic side of things. If I'm no longer the coach for him I'll go without asking for anything."

Reuters

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  1. Ok, well being an exremly big Italian soccer fan I feel that Donadoni is one of the worst coaches to take Italy. From day one, Italy's 3-1 loss to France, I knew that Italy was in for trouble. In fact Italy was pretty close to not qualifying for the Euro. I don't know about you but I find it amazing that the WORLD CHAMPIONS almost don't make it into a tournament that's for only European countries, AND I find it amazing how italy played like they've never played in there lives. I mean come on,a 3-0 loss to Holland? A 1-1 draw to Romania? Seriously, if Lippi were still coach there would have been no compitition in this tournament. Italy would have most likely won the whole tournament by alot. And for you Donadoni fans I have something for you. Why are you blaming the SAME players that won the WORLD CUP 2 years ago. The players aren't going to change, it's the COACH who DOESN'T KNOW how to play them. And also you can't blame Cannavaro's injury. I believe that Cannavaro's injury was a great test for Donadoni. It would show whether he can react quickly if something goes wrong. And unfortunatly he FAILED that test. I've seen better defence from handicapped, blind people, let alone professional soccer players. So after this "wonderful" experience in Euro 2008 I'm left with only three words: BRING LIPPI BACK!

    From vinny.bianco, on Thu 26 Jun 2:13PM

  2. He messed up, Quite horribly as well. Italy were the world champions for a good reason. Theres no excuse. Even though there best defender was injured. This is a country that's famous for there defenders.
    Surely they'll have atleast more than one.

    But i'll give him credit. Most managers will stay on to get as much money as possible.
    But he would rather leave with his dignity in tact.

    That is an example to all players and coaches.
    That money isn't everything.

    From Chris F, on Thu 26 Jun 3:09AM

  3. How can he coach 4 games and have the same (Luca Toni) strategy
    Where is the surprise? I was ashamed of the way the game was played.
    He decided to not attack at all. No shots. Even from far away.
    Get another coach

    From marty2655, on Wed 25 Jun 10:16PM

  4. I thank Roberto Donadoni for his service to the Azzuri, especially for his wonderful wins over Scotland at Hampton to qualify for Euro 2008 and for his victory over arch-rivals, France in the group stage the other day. However, I ask Roberto why did he continue to play Luca Toni who has made missing chances into a fine art. There is a new phrase in Cockney Rhyme which is 'Luca Pony' as in this example: "Did you see that Luca Poney?" The phrase basically means a clumsy mess-up. Bring back Lippi for South Africa 2010!

    From Ken P, on Wed 25 Jun 5:06PM

  5. Why should Donadoni apologise to Italy because they couldn't get to the semi finals? I think the man did all he could to assist the team but it was the players that did not play up to expectation right from the start of the tournament. One thing is for the coach to tell players what and how to play, another thing is for the players to put in their best. Being a coach is a great task, we human beings are so insatiable! i think Donadoni will learn from this.

    From Sam.

    From samikel101, on Wed 25 Jun 4:32PM

  6. WHAT WAS THAT COACH??? U SAID THAT UR PLAYERS PRACTISED AT PENALTIES.WHY THEY MISSED THEM???????????

    From aelistas01, on Wed 25 Jun 2:05PM

  7. brainless, I think your nickname is quite ok... We should learn a big lesson from Donadoni. He is focussed on his work rather than collecting money to accept to be sacked. He has dignity. He has lost (as do all teams but one, in each tournament) and did not look for excuses. I am a fan of Lippi, but I appreciate a lot all what Donadoni has shown. I guess the journalists do not like him, because he refuses to show off and just thinks that work will pay.

    From Giovanni T, on Wed 25 Jun 1:55PM

  8. what is this all alert about?

    From Bojan, on Wed 25 Jun 1:48PM

  9. He should be sacked and then appologise to all Italy for the poor performance.. He sux!!!

    From brainless, on Wed 25 Jun 1:39PM

  10. Well,he's definetely not the best manager but he acted with pride.There's an example for all to follow.

    From Andrei Mihailescu, on Wed 25 Jun 11:41AM

  11. Steve McClaren could learn a lot from Donadoni. McClaren failed the country on a much grander scale but was more than happy to accept several million pounds from the FA when he was sacked. Congratulations to Donadoni - maybe not the best manager, but one with morals and national pride.

    From graham_hampton, on Wed 25 Jun 11:22AM

  12. He needs to tell his players to play and quit faking falls. Who was the big idiot who faked falls all tourney and did nothing. What a big doofus.

    From billkruczynski, on Wed 25 Jun 10:42AM
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