[Dildil]

Roberto Donadoni insists he is “satisfied” with what he has done in these two years as Italy boss ahead of the Euro 2008 test.

“I am satisfied with what has been done in these two years. I know full well what the difference is in Italy between coming first and second,” said the Coach on Sky Italia.

“I know I have done nothing but my duty with this group of extraordinary players and I am happy to have trained them. I’m convinced they’ll give me many more joyous moments from now until the end of the European Championships.”

Yet there is strong talk – fuelled by the Federation’s contract offer – that Donadoni will be axed if he does not at least reach the semi-finals.

“I am entirely honest, I never expected anything and just tried to carry on my work. Clearly the fact a contract renewal has been offered to you means there is respect and confidence in your abilities, but I have never asked for anything and I am amazed that today we are still talking about it.

“We go forward and continue to work. For me the objective is the European Championship.”

The Azzurri boss rejected the contract renewal, reportedly because it included a clause declaring it void if he failed to reach the final four in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

They are in a very difficult group with Holland, France and Romania, but Donadoni has almost decided on his squad for the tournament.

He has faced increasing pressure from all sides to call the likes of Antonio Cassano, Alessandro Del Piero and Giuseppe Rossi, but Italian football has a growing roster of talented forwards.

“I would like the media to help me in this sense, because the fact they tell me there are six strikers who are very talented is enormously pleasing, but they must also say who to leave behind,” joked the tactician.

“Marco Borriello is having an extraordinary campaign and I expect him and the others to continue. Del Piero knows my thoughts and the way I decide on my squad, as he is one of the players I have spoken to the most. He needs to continue doing well and then we’ll see.

“As for Rossi, I take into consideration all the youngsters who impress in Pierluigi Casiraghi’s Under-21 side.

“It is impossible not to love Cassano, but he knows he has an important responsibility as a professional and a great player. He also knows what he has done penalised him a great deal. That doesn’t mean he can’t get back on track, but clearly it has created problems.”

Channel 4

[kurtsimonw]

Not that I want Italy to win it, or even come close. But I hope they don't get eliminated by a fix like in 2002!