Donadoni - Italy coach signs two year contract
ADEN, June 4 (EURO 2008) - Roberto Donadoni gave Italy a national team much-needed lift Wednesday evening by signing an extension that will keep him in charge of the Azzurri through the 2010 World Cup.
A few days after losing their captain Fabio Cannavaro for Euro 2008 because of a severe ankle injury, 44 years, Donadoni gave the team some stability.
The extension was agreed last month with the Italian Football Federation before Donadoni selection of the team announcement.
Donadoni said at the time: "The contract extension has never been a problem for me, but it is a reward makes me extremely happy."
Donadoni received his new pact walking in the huge shoes left by predecessor Marcello Lippi.
As a player, he won 63 caps for Italy and has achieved greatness with AC Milan, but as a tactician, his experience was minimal.
He began his coaching career in 2001 and precise in Lecco, Genoa and Livorno are just what he had under his belt.
His appointment in 2006 was received with astonishment.
Donadoni has had to win the confidence of the nation since the first day and it was a test for the youngest coach of the national team.
Many no longer expected the Italians to fight in their campaign for qualification for the Championships this summer in Europe after their triumphant World Cup in Germany two years ago.
However, the Azzurri finished top of their group ahead of France by winning nine of their 12 games and conceding just one defeat in the qualifying campaign.
"Donadoni is a young coach but already a great maturity through her, competence and preparedness," said Italian Football Federation President Giancarlo Abete Wednesday.
"Now there is nothing more to be done and we can concentrate on gambling."
The new agreement includes a clause which allows the extension to be terminated by either party if the results at the 2008 championship in Europe is deemed unsatisfactory.
However, Donadoni can now focus on Italy difficult games against the Netherlands, Romania and France.
The former AC Milan star will be hoping to join France in becoming the second country to add a Championship of Europe at the World Cup during his side start the Euro 2008 against the Netherlands on June 9.
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