Roberto Donadoni has graciously accepted the decision of the FIGC to look for a new Coach for the Italian national side.
The inexperienced tactician was charged with the daunting task of succeeding World Cup winner Marcello Lippi and he failed to deliver when Italy fell at the quarter-final stage of Euro 2008.
It was announced today that Donadoni’s time at the helm was over, but the outgoing Coach was disappointed rather than bitter.
“I’m disappointed that a penalty kick can cause this situation,” he admitted.
“But over the last two years my Italy side have done something good and one game can’t change that.
“It was a stupendous experience and I would do it all again immediately.
“In fact, I would do everything again because I have a clear conscience for everything I have done.
“I want to thank FIGC President Giancarlo Abete, Guido Rossi and all my staff.
“I never felt alone because I had the players, staff and so many other people around me.”
Donadoni leaves without any golden handshake after turning down such a clause in the deal he signed before the European Championship.
“There hasn’t been any financial compensation, but that doesn’t interest me,” he explained. “Money is useful for everyone, but it was never a problem for me.
“On the day I picked the squad when President Abete mentioned the possibility of compensation I said that there was no need.”
The return of Lippi now seems inevitable, but Donadoni didn’t want to discuss that possibility as he closed his interview.
“People have been talking about Lippi for two years,” he groaned. “I didn’t ask Abete if there had been a meeting with Lippi.
“Everyone is free to do what they want and I won’t discuss the behaviour of others.”
