The Azzurri were knocked out of Euro 2008 at the quarter-final stage when they were defeated on penalties on Sunday night and as coach, Donadoni is likely to be criticised in Italy for a lack of adventure.

"In the next few days we will discuss what will happen," said Giancarlo Abete, president of the Italian Football Federation. "In the next few days we'll retrace our steps."

After 120 goalless minutes at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium, Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale had penalties saved by Iker Casillas and Cesc Fabregas tucked away the decisive spot-kick.

"I can say that they have given everything and in these terms I'm proud," said Donadoni. "I'm proud of the football they've been able to produce.

"There was no more energy left, from the ones that played and the ones that didn't. I am very sad for them because they have been really good and have had a very strong bond. It doesn't matter what result they achieved.

"I have lived day by day and moment by moment, it's been exciting and productive in terms of growth so our work. From my point of view I'm happy with the way we have worked.

"Sometimes we have won on penalties and sometimes we lose but we keep our head held high. It is a source of great pride for me.

"This is an important defeat but they did all they could on the pitch."