Donadoni finally signs new Italy contract

AFP - 4 June 2008 22:11

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, seen here in May 2008, has finally put his signature to a new contract that will keep him in his role until after the next World Cup, just days to go before Euro 2008 kicks off in Austria and Switzerland.

VIENNA (AFP) - With just days to go before Euro 2008 kicks off in Austria and Switzerland, Italy coach Roberto Donadoni finally put his signature to a new contract that will keep him in his role until after the next World Cup.

The Italian federation (FIGC) had announced that Donadoni had agreed terms on a new contract to 2010 back on May 20, when the Euro 2008 squad was announced, but all that was missing was his actual signature.

Donadoni's contract situation - his previous deal was due to run out after this tournament - had been a topic of much debate in Italy before the finals.

He had turned down a previous offer that was conditional on his team reaching at least the semi-finals here.

But now everything that is sorted out, the news should come as a boost just two days after the blow of losing captain Fabio Cannavaro with ankle ligament damage.