Donadoni agrees Azzurri deal
05 Jun 2008 - 08:47:52
Roberto Donadoni has given Italy a pre-Euro 2008 boost after agreeing a two-year contract extension.
The 44-year-old former international midfielder replaced World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi in 2006 and will now remain at the helm until at least the next staging of the event in South Africa in 2010.
Donadoni was handed the reins of the national side despite only having brief coaching experience from spells with Lecco, Genoa and Livorno.
However, the Azzurri topped their Euro 2008 qualifying group ahead of France after winning nine of their 12 games.
"Donadoni is a young coach but already a great one through his maturity, competence and preparation," said Italy Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete.
"Now there is nothing more to be done and we can concentrate on the games."
Italy face a challenging series of Group C fixtures against Netherlands, France and Romania.
