Roberto Donadoni refused to talk about his future with the Italian team though rumors have been circulating that he is on verge of losing his job after the world champions suffered a quarterfinal exit from Euro 2008 here on Sunday.
"Obviuosly I'd like to continue as Italy coach. I take it for granted," said the former AC Milan and Italian midfielder. "What else could I do (if the federation decided to fire me)."
Donadoni, however, have lost the support of the boss of Italian football.
"I talked to Donadoni even before the game. Obviously we hoped we would go through, and there was always a danger we wouldn't," Giancarlo Abete, President of the Italian Football Federatoin (FIGC), told media at a post-match press conference.
Earlier at the Ernst Happel Stadium, Italy lost 4-2 on penalty shootout after holding Spain 0-0 in 120 minutes.
Spain's Sergio Ramos (1st R) and teammate Carlos Marchena (1st L) vie with players of Italy during the quarterfinal at the Euro 2008 Championships in Vienna, Austria, on June 22, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
"We decided that it was not the right time to make a decision right after the game," said Abete. "We will meet in the coming days to decide on the future."
The president never confirmed that they wanted to keep Donadonion the coaching post, and again on Sunday, he refused to back the under-pressure coach.
"I should talk the assignment issue with other men in the federation as well. We can't make decision in the moment that the team and the coach are under the pressure of failure," he said.
"In the next days, we're going to meet Donadoni and discuss a number of problems. I could not in the last few month, nor now to say anything about the coach. I think it's best for the team."
"Donadoni have done well in developing a very high qualified team," he added. "Our overall skills have certainly not reached the best level, but this related to many element."
Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas (2nd R) grabs the ball during the quarterfinal between Spain and Italy at the Euro 2008 Championships in Vienna, Austria, on June 22, 2008. Spain won 4-2. (Xinhua Photo)
(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2008)