The Italian football federation (FIGC) Thursday fired coach Roberto Donadoni following the elimination of the Azzurri squad in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008, the dpa reported.
FIGC's website reported that president Giancarlo Abete notified the coach that his contract had expired and "confirmed his respect and appreciation for (Donadoni's) seriousness and professionality in performing his job at the helm of the national team."
Under a deal signed in early June, shortly before the start of Euro 2008, FIGC would automatically renew Donadoni's contract to 2010 only if the team advanced at least to the semi-finals of the tournament.