Donadoni pens new Italy contract

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has signed a new two-year contract which will see him take charge of the World Champions until the 2010 World Cup.

An escape clause has been written into the deal should Italy perform badly at Euro 2008, where they have been drawn in the so-called "Group of Death".

Talks on Donadoni's contract, which was due to expire in July, were to take place after the tournament.

But constant media speculation prompted negotiations to be brought forward.

The former AC Milan player had agreed to a new deal on 20 May but took time to sign the contract.

Italy play the Netherlands in their Group C opener on Monday 9 June and then face Romania (13 June) and France (17 June).

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