Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni’s future looks uncertain following his country’s dramatic first round exit from Euro 2004 on Tuesday evening. Italy had been tipped by many observers to win the competition, but crashed out in the group stage last night.
Italian Football Federation President Franco Carraro told the Italian press that no decision had been made on the fate of the 65 year-old coach, but hinted that the Italian FA were far from satisfied with their team’s performances in Portugal.
“We will discuss Trapattoni’s future in a federal meeting on Friday,” Carraro revealed.
“The players made a big effort last night, but overall we played below our usual level in this competition and that is unacceptable,” he added.
“At least the fact that we have taken five points from the group allows us to go home with dignity, but nothing more.”
Italy beat Bulgaria 2-1 on Tuesday night, but their below-par performance in the other two group games meant that Sweden’s 2-2 draw with Denmark was enough to see the Azzurri eliminated.
Trapattoni, one of Italian football’s greatest ever club managers, has enjoyed a largely unsuccessful four year reign as coach of the national side. Indications now suggest that former Juventus and Internazionale boss Marcello Lippi could succeed him.
Trapattoni has stated that he will not resign, but it looks unlikely that the Italian FA will offer him any more support.
“My contract with the Italian Football Federation ends on July 15th, and the future opens many doors,” the former Bayern Muich and Juventus coach said in the aftermath of Tuesday’s events.
“We leave with our heads held high, especially because we deserved to win the match against Sweden,” he continued.
“I am satisfied with my players’ performance against Bulgaria – we did our job, but it was not enough.”
