Italy boss Donadoni: Referee wasn't to blame for our Holland hammering

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Ruud van Nistelrooy looked to be yards offside when he turned the ball home from inside the six-yard box.

However, Christian Panucci, who was lying injured behind the goal-line, was playing the striker onside because he had left the pitch without asking the referee's permission.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni endured a torrid night as the Netherlands won 3-0 in Berne in their Euro 2008 opener

Frojdfeldt awarded the 26th-minute goal, sparking fury among the Italians and Luca Toni was booked for his protests. But following the 3-0 defeat, Donadoni refused to stir up a row.

"I don't like to talk about referees' decisions," said the coach. "A goal is a goal and it is impossible to change the decision. We accept it."

Donadoni said the players only had themselves to blame for the defeat. "We had an off-day - we weren't very good," he said.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon went further than Donadoni and said: "We have just played the worst game since I joined the national team 12 years ago.

"We apologise to our fans."