I don't deserve to be sacked, insists losing Italy coach Donadoni

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Italy coach Roberto Donadoni insists he will not quit despite their Euro 2008 quarter-final exit at the hands of Spain because he believes the world champions played well in the tournament.

The Italians have been accused of lacking ideas and energy in Austria and Switzerland and Donadoni is expected to be sacked with 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi poised to return.

An escape clause in Donadoni's new two-year contract means it would cost less to dismiss him in the next 10 days.

Under-fire: Italy coach Roberto Donadoni.

The country's soccer federation is reviewing his position and will hold talks with the coach.

"Absolutely no," Donadoni when asked if he had considered resigning following Sunday's 4-2 loss on penalties to Spain after a drab 0-0 draw.

"I don't have a reason. We only lost a game on penalties.

"You can't say things work when you win but don't work when you lose on penalties. We will talk and decide.

"It doesn't make any sense to talk about whether I deserve to carry on."

He refused to make excuses for the exit, such as captain Fabio Cannavaro's injury before the tournament and the international retirements of top striker Francesco Totti and defender Alessandro Nesta last year.

A relaxed Donadoni also denied widespread accusations that his side were too defensive but said his players were tired, with forward Luca Toni especially lacklustre.

"After a tough season...it is difficult to see a team playing sparklingly and brilliantly," he added.