Roberto Donadoni has agreed to stay in charge of the Italian national team until the World Cup in 2010. Talks to sign the two-year deal had been due to take place after the Euro 2008 Championships, but repeated rumours and news articles by various news agencies encouraged the Italian FA to get everything in place now, rather than risk further disruption.
The Italian FA have insisted on a “get-out” clause in Roberto’s contract - if they fail to qualify from the group stages in Euro 2008 then they reserve the right to cancel the deal. With Italy in what is undoubtedly the toughest group against Netherlands, Romania and France, Donadoni will have a look of relief on his face come 17th June if after playing France they are still in the tournament.
Donadoni has already suffered one blow, with his captain Fabio Cannavaro being ruled out of the tournament. Gianluigi Buffon takes over the captains armband.
Italy’s other fixtures include the Netherlands on 9th June and Romania on 13th June.
