Italian media rife with speculation over Donadoni's fate
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni is expected to be sacked within a week following the team's defeat in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, according to Italian media, who also suggest his World Cup winning predecessor Marcello Lippi will be reinstated.
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Roberto Donadoni's time in charge of Italy is expected to end within a week following the world champions' Euro 2008 quarter-final defeat by Spain, Italian media reported on Tuesday.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport said Donadoni would be sacked on Wednesday, while the ANSA news agency said Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) bosses would probably meet the coach next Monday or Tuesday to discuss terminating the contract.
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Donadoni is set to be replaced by his predecessor, 2006 World Cup-winning boss Marcello Lippi, according to local media.
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However, the FIGC denied a BBC report that Donadoni had already been dismissed. "There is nothing official," an FIGC spokesman said.
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On Monday, former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Donadoni said he had no intention of quitting after his team lost to Spain on penalties on Sunday.
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Donadoni signed a two-year contract extension just before the tournament but FIGC would be able to terminate that now at a reduced cost thanks to an escape clause valid for 10 days from the end of Italy's campaign.
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