Donadoni commits to Parma

The former Italy international and Azzurri manager has stabilised the Crociati since replacing Franco Colomba in January.

He was rewarded by club president Tommaso Ghirardi, who has now tied his man to the Stadio Ennio Tardini until June 2015.

Ghirardi told fcparma.com: "There have been rumours for a while and we began talking about it a month ago.

"The important thing is that I can say our coach has committed himself to a further two years after this season.

"I am very happy because it is the first time that I have extended a contract by such a long time.

"I suggested two more years and he accepted immediately, we agreed a deal within three minutes, and that says a lot about his desire to stay with us."

Reports in Italy had suggested that Donadoni was the preferred candidate to replace AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri, should the beleaguered Rossoneri boss end up losing his job as a result of a poor start to the season.

As a midfielder, Donadoni won three European Cups and five Serie A titles in a 10-year spell at the San Siro, but Ghirardi insisted there was no truth in the rumours.

"It goes without saying that we didn't rush the deal because of interest from some other club," Ghirardi insisted.

"I think this is a partnership that can go on for years and I hope he will achieve even more as a coach than he did as a player."

Donadoni added: "I was very happy and flattered when the president offered me the renewal.

"I don't hide the fact that I am an ambitious coach, but my ambition matches that of Parma."