EURO 2008 INFO

Roberto Donadoni is refusing to call time on his international management career, insisting he will stay on as Italy coach despite calls for him to stand down after his side's elimination from the European Championship by Spain.

The Azzurri hoped to follow their World Cup success in Germany two years ago with a European title, but lost after a penalty shootout in the last eight.

Donadoni had said he would be the first to step aside if results were disappointing at Euro 2008 but despite fierce criticism in the Italian press, the 44-year-old said: "Resigning? It doesn't even enter my mind."

"A missed penalty does not make me change my views on our performances in this tournament. I'm not stupid."

Prior to the start of Euro 2008, Donadoni, who succeeded Marcello Lippi two years ago, signed a contract extension with the Italian Football Federation that ends after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

However, the new contract includes a reciprocal escape clause that can be put into effect within 10 days of Italy's exit from the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

The Italians failed to show the quality that saw them lift the World Cup in Berlin in 2006 and finish top of their qualifying group ahead of France having lost just once. Their 3-0 defeat to Holland in the opening match at the finals was the worst defeat suffered by the Azzurri in a European Championship.

Italian Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete would not confirm whether Donadoni will continue in charge.

He said: "In the next few days we will have a meeting with him and we will discuss the future. With cool heads, we will reason."

Donadoni did not appear to be concerned. "I am calm," he said.