Donadoni unsurprised by press backlash

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni admitted on Tuesday that he was unsurprised by the press backlash in response to the world champions stunning 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands.

Italy were torn apart by the incisive Dutch counter-attacking ploy in Berne on Monday night and the press ripped into them with equal vigour the day after.

“Honestly I was waiting for that,” said Donadoni, who must be thanking his lucky stars that he signed a new contract before the start of the tournament.

“I'm not bitter that they went to town on us but more or less it wasn't a bed of roses reading them.”

Donadoni insisted that all was not lost, despite Italy sitting bottom of the so-called 'Group of Death'.

“It certainly was a positive match but we will analyse it together. I expect two important matches (against 2006 World Cup finalists France and Romania, who drew 0-0 in their clash), I'm sorry that we lost but this terrible defeat will also fire us up for the next two matches, giving us strength to succeed.”

In truth, Italy were far from outplayed, but the Netherlands proved more clinical in attack and punished the Italians profligacy in front of goal.

However, the defeat will have further increased the clamour for Donadoni to promote veteran Alessandro Del Piero to the starting line-up and the coach admitted there could be changes ahead of the next match against Romania.

“We weren't confused about the formation it was just a defeat,” he said. “We will see if we decide to change something, we also have to assess the physical condition of the team.

“Last night we went to bed at 3.30am, we analysed everything.”