The Don’s Extension Talks Resume (Maybe)

Provided a new deal isn’t inked before June 7th, when talking about the Azzurri’s exploits this summer, more often than not it’ll be directly linked to the chances of Roberto Donadoni getting a contract extension. So if they’re playing well, he has a good chance of getting a new deal. If they aren’t, his chances aren’t that great. And if the Azzurri take a collective dump on the field and crash out early, chances are The Don’s extension offer will be the toilet paper. They’ll just go hand in hand.

It’s difficult to judge from The Don’s comments whether or not he is referring to a new offer, or the old one where that was that minor detail that he had to get to the semi-finals in Swissaustria for the extension to kick in. A clause which I think is a very fair deal, and something that should be used more across sports. Rewarded for your performance, good or bad? What a novel idea. Of course it’ll never happen, but we can dream.

“The (Italian) soccer federation has made me an offer, I’ve made my assessment. Now let’s see if something comes of it.”

This the old offer? New offer? Don’t know.

While I like the concept of a performance related extension clause nearly across the board, I’m not in favor in this instance. I’m not a big fan of The Don (if you frequent the page, or Roma, you probably know this). I’m very much under the impression he has Fabio Quagliarella to thank for his employment for those two completely bullshit goals he scored against Lithuania (completely bullshit goals being a normal part of Fabio’s skill set, of course). They were coming off a lackluster performance against the Faroe Islands – one which damn near saw them suffer a historically embarrassing draw – and Gigi Buffon appeared to throw Donadoni under the bus after the game by saying they had “no motivation”. (Motivation being one of the main job descriptions of a national team coach and the overwhelming gift of that last guy, Marcello something.) The public wasn’t behind him – not sure it really is now – and they were in danger of “pulling an England”. (Though in a much more difficult group.)

Quite frankly, I’m not sure winning it all in Swissaustria would change my mind about him as a coach. Yes, the Euros are tough, but it’s not the World Cup and he has a slew of talent which should go deep into the tournament, if not the final. If they fail, it’s not going to be because of a lack of talent.

So I guess the question isn’t so much whether Donadoni is the right man to lead the charge after the Euros, regardless of performance. It’s more….is Roberto Donadoni the guy who should be leading a World Cup title defense? For me, the answer is crystal.