It is reported that Italy have sacked coach Roberto Donadoni following their exit from Euro 2008. The authorities haven't confirmed this move but t seems very likely to be true.

His future has been in serious doubt since Italy's disappointing quarter-final defeat by Spain on penalties on Sunday.

Donadoni signed a two-year extension to his contract prior to the tournament but that contained a 10-day get-out clause on both sides.

After the game on Sunday Donadoni said that the thought of resigning would never enter his head. It seems that the Italian FA have prevented him having to think about it.

Donadoni had said, "I don't have a reason. We only lost a game on penalties. You can't say things work when you win but don't work when you lose on penalties. We will talk and decide. It doesn't make any sense to talk about whether I deserve to carry on."

Of course, what Donadoni failed to mention was that their performance in that game against Spain was totally unacceptable in its quality and more particularly in its ambition. It followed very poor performances against Romania and Holland and one not a great deal better against ten man France.

There was no way that he was going to keep his job after such a poor showing. Former Italy World Cup winning coach Marcelo Lippi is reported to be favourite to take over.