Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni has signed a two year extension to his contract, a move that will see him stay with the Italy national team till the 2010 World Cup. Donadoni, who took over the reins from Marcello Lippi after the 2006 World Cup, has been quite successful, guiding Italy to Euro 2008 as Group toppers in qualifying ahead of rivals France.

Italy are in the Group of Death at Euro 2008, and with Fabio Cannavaro having been ruled out of the tournament because of injury, Donadoni's task just got a little harder. He has also come under criticism from some parts of the Italian press for not having organised more friendlies prior to the tournament. Italy's only pre tournament warm up game was against Belgium, which they won 3-1. Holland, Romania and France have some of the best attackers in the business, and Italy's defence will be put to the test against these teams. Without the formidable presence of Cannavaro, the Italian backline looks a bit fragile and uncemented.