Donadoni rules out quitting

They were thrashed 3-0 by the Netherlands in their opening game before being held to a 1-1 draw by Romania 8211; although only a late penalty save by Gianluigi Buffon earned them that result.

Italy qualified for the last eight by beating France 2-0 but their opponents had to play three quarters of the game with 10 men after Eric Abidal8217;s sending off.

Without playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who was suspended against Spain, and captain Fabio Cannavaro 8211; the heart of the team 8211; Italy were bereft of creativity and fight, surrendering meekly after a turgid 120 minutes of football and some poor penalties in the shoot-out.

The press speculated on Monday morning that Donadoni will be shown the door but when asked if he will jump first, he was adamant. 8220;Resign? The thought would never even enter the chamber of my brain,8221; said Donadoni.

8220;It8217;s not because of a missed penalty that I8217;m going to change my opinion of our European Championships, that would be stupid.8221;

Despite his conviction that he won8217;t quit, Donadoni8217;s time looks numbered with many newsppers speculating that World Cup winning boss Marcelo Lippi is set to make a comeback.

And after the Spain defeat, Italian Federation FIGC president Giancarlo Abete refused to publicly back his coach.

8220;It8217;s positive in terms of the quality of the group of players and I8217;m pleased with the great bond created in the group but we are aware that our overall capacity and skills have certainly not reached the level that we expected,8221; he said.

And when pressed on what Abete had told him personally, Donadoni was not particularly forthcoming with revealing information.

8220;Just one hour ago at breakfast I spoke with president Abete. I simply told him I was happy to have experienced these two years,8221; he said.

Donadoni took over the post after Lippi resigned following Italy8217;s 2006 World Cup victory in Germany.

Donadoni was given only a two-year contract leading to much speculation even before this tournament began that unless the team went far he would not be offered a new deal.

He turned down a conditional offer, based on reaching at least the semi-finals, but eventually signed a new two-year deal just days before the tournament began.

However, a contract in Italy is no guarantee of remaining in employment and when asked if he thought he deserved to remain in the job, Donadoni preferred not to proffer a reply.

8220;With respect to those who should decide I8217;m not going to try to sway them. My record speaks for itself, I8217;m not going to try to talk it up.8221;

Donadoni admitted that he could do nothing about the speculation or even the clamour for the return of the popular Lippi.

8220;Seriously you8217;ve been writing about his return for two weeks,8221; he told journalists at a press conference in Italy8217;s base near Vienna.

8220;Hence since I arrived here I decided not to read the comments, neither the positive nor the negative ones.8221;