Defiant Donadoni says Italy played well
Italy's Roberto Donadoni addresses a press conference today.
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said today he would not quit despite their 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 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi poised to return.
An 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 yesterday'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.
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N.Gerada
Jun 23rd 2008, 15:24
I cannot understand why Italian journalists always try to find the scapegoat in their coach. Donadoni's only mistake was against Holland as he should have made two substitutions at half-time. Seeing the friendly game against Belgium, I too, would have started the same formation that he did against Holland.
In the new defence, after Holland's debacle, Cannavaro was not missed that much. After that game, Italy conceeded only one goal, merit goes to Zambrotta.
After the first match, much has been said on the Milan's midfield, praising Roma's sprightly football. Well, yesterday against Spain, we all saw what would have been or what should have been if Gattuso and Pirlo (espesially the latter) were present.
On the other hand, the attack was inexistent and seeing Toni's deflection over Grosso yesterday, I might also say that with him there, the other teams had an extra defender with them. Toni affected Italy's play, concentrating every move and cross onto him, like the old english game.
I don't agree he should resign as yesterday, considering the eligible players and Spain's possession football, it was the only game that Italy should have played. Don't forget that they only lost to the penatly lottery.