Donadoni proud of never-say-die Italy team

ZURICH, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was very proud of his side's 2-0 victory over France here on Tuesday, which sent the world champions into the quarterfinals of Euro 2008 after disappointing previous matches in Group C.

"We never gave up hope, this is our spirit, which kept us going even after we got just one point after two games," commented the former AC Milan midfielder after the crucial match, which could have see both the 2006 World Cup finalists bow out of the tournament.

"We played a great match. We started off well, ironically before the sending off we were better, after that we got a little edgy," he said.

Playmaker Andrea Pirlo's superb penalty in the 25 minute, awarded by Slovakia referee Lubos Michel after sending off French full back Eric Abidal for clattering into Italian striker Luca Toni's legs from behind in the area, gave the Azzurri a first half lead.

And Daniele De Rossi volleyed a super free-kick volley on 62 minutes to seal the desperately needed victory for Italy.

"There was a bit of luck on the second goal, but overall these lads deserved it because we also missed a lot of chances," added Donadoni.

On the Dutch 2-0 victory against Romania, which eased the Italians' passage to the quarterfinals, Donadoni said: "I had no doubts about the fairness of that game. I know Marco Van Basten's personality and his sportsmanship."

The 2-0 victory against France is Italy's first within 90 minutes in 30 years, which allowed them to qualify for a quarterfinal match-up against Spain in Vienna on Sunday.

However, the yellow cards received by Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso suspended the duo who each had another book in previous matches, and imposed some negative mood to the Italians.

"Too bad about the suspensions of Pirlo and Gattuso. They are two important players, but there are others who can do well," said Donadoni.

"Cassano did well, he ran, covered, perhaps he could have had a bit more initiative. Domenech? I don't want to brag, that's not my style. I'm not interested in that," he added.