It's Official Roberto Donadoni NO LONGER Italy's Coach Announced by President of the Italian Federation Giancarlo Abete
By Anna
Italia
The era of Italian Head Coach Roberto Donadoni is over, finito!
After the 1 p.m. meeting between Donadoni and the President of the Italian Federation Giancarlo Abete, the announcement it's official. Donadoni is no longer Italy's Head Coach.
The good thing is that Donadoni, at the end, received the respect from the Italian Federation by not sacking him but by finishing their working relation as indicated in their contract.
The agreement was that Italy at least qualified for the EURO 2008 Semifinals, if not, the contract was terminated.
Click the video to watch Donadoni in his last press conference as Italian Head Coach.
"I'm disappointed that a penalty kick can determine this outcome. In the last two years, my team has also achieved positive results, and one last match cannot erase all that."
Nevertheless, Donadoni, instead of leaving furious, kept his gentleman attitude and talked about his experience with the Nazionale.
"It has been a fantastic experience and I would do it all over again tomorrow without changing anything. I am happy with what the players have achieved. They have given their best. I thank Abete, Guido Rossi and my entire staff. I have never felt lonely because I always had the players, the staff and many people around me."
When journalists asked him about the rumors of the return of Marcello Lippi. Donadoni said:
"They've been talking about it for the last two years. Everyone is different. It's not up to me to teach people how to behave. I haven't asked president Abete if he had met with Lippi. Everyone is free to do what they want. I don't judge anyone's behavior. I don't want to leave without class."
Here is the record of the Italian National team for the EURO 2008.
At the beginning the Federation did not announced his replacement. While it was an open secret that his replacement was going to be former Head Coach Marcello Lippi. Within few hours ... there comes the official announcement. Marcello Lippi is the new Italian Head Coach. What was the mystery? We all knew this is advanced.
Related Story:
"If the Federation doesn't want me, I will leave without asking anything." Italian Head Coach Roberto Donadoni
Where you expecting the termination of the contract, yes, no, and why?
ItaliaThe era of Italian Head Coach Roberto Donadoni is over, finito!
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The good thing is that Donadoni, at the end, received the respect from the Italian Federation by not sacking him but by finishing their working relation as indicated in their contract.
The agreement was that Italy at least qualified for the EURO 2008 Semifinals, if not, the contract was terminated.
Click the video to watch Donadoni in his last press conference as Italian Head Coach.
"I'm disappointed that a penalty kick can determine this outcome. In the last two years, my team has also achieved positive results, and one last match cannot erase all that."
Nevertheless, Donadoni, instead of leaving furious, kept his gentleman attitude and talked about his experience with the Nazionale.
"It has been a fantastic experience and I would do it all over again tomorrow without changing anything. I am happy with what the players have achieved. They have given their best. I thank Abete, Guido Rossi and my entire staff. I have never felt lonely because I always had the players, the staff and many people around me."
When journalists asked him about the rumors of the return of Marcello Lippi. Donadoni said:
"They've been talking about it for the last two years. Everyone is different. It's not up to me to teach people how to behave. I haven't asked president Abete if he had met with Lippi. Everyone is free to do what they want. I don't judge anyone's behavior. I don't want to leave without class."
Here is the record of the Italian National team for the EURO 2008.
- Netherlands 3 - 0 Italy. Monday, June 9, 2008
- Italy 1 - 1 Romania Friday, June 13, 2008
- France 0 - 2 Italy, Monday, June 17, 2008
At the beginning the Federation did not announced his replacement. While it was an open secret that his replacement was going to be former Head Coach Marcello Lippi. Within few hours ... there comes the official announcement. Marcello Lippi is the new Italian Head Coach. What was the mystery? We all knew this is advanced.
Related Story:
"If the Federation doesn't want me, I will leave without asking anything." Italian Head Coach Roberto Donadoni
Where you expecting the termination of the contract, yes, no, and why?
Posted by Anna Italia at 6/26/2008 6:50 AM 
Categories: Italian National Team, General Soccer News, Euro 2008
Categories: Italian National Team, General Soccer News, Euro 2008
Man, finally the whole Donadoni thing is over. Of course, I was expecting his termination. Just hope for Lippi to bring back the world champions. What's your take?
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This is a relief, I never felt the Italian team was very focused and confident with him at the helm. This is certainly no surprise.
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This is better both for Donadoni and the Azzurri.Don was constantly hammered by the public and the press.When you saw the tension on his face,you could tell he felt the pressure of living up to Lippi legacy.At least now he can go somewhere else where he can work in peace.
The azzurri needs rejuvenation;I just hope and pray that the FIGC doesn't think that Lippi has the magic stick to fix of all of the azzurri's problems.Donadoni was not the only problem the Azzurri had,the players were old and tired and it is time we look for some serious replacements especially in the defense.
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UK press reporting that Lippi is indeed back in the role as manager: www.bbc.co.uk/sport.
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Just about time, it has been a total shame to see how Italy went down after winning the World Cup. Donadoni is a good coach and a great person but Italy need a coach with clear strategies and technical tactical experience.
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FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Wow! I woke up late and in the preview of today's match on ESPN- I heard the news. Wow! I couldn't believe it! Of course I agree with the termination of the contract. How many goals did Spain score today? They didn't even make the semi-finals or convince in the 2006 world cup. Same coach-aragones. How can Italy not make it at least to the semi-finals only Donadoni knows.
I would have put in the contract "If Italy doesn't qualify for the FINAL of the Euro 2008." Semi-finals are for teams like Spain, Czech Republic not a big team like Italy, France or Germany.
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Monica its no longer ALL ABOUT "BIG TEAM" its about who win who score! look at Brazil, good example there!
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