AP

Roberto Donadoni was fired as Italy’s coach Thursday, replaced by World Cup winner Marcello Lippi.

The decision by the Italian Football Federation came following a meeting between Donadoni and federation president Giancarlo Abete, four days after Italy was knocked out of the European Championship quarterfinals by Spain on penalty kicks.

“I’m sorry that a penalty kick has decided this situation,” Donadoni said after the meeting. “Over these last two years, my Italy also did something positive, and one last game can’t erase that.”

Hours later, Lippi took over.

Lippi was Donadoni’s predecessor and led Italy to victory in the 2006 World Cup.

The soccer federation said in a statement he will be presented at a news conference Tuesday.

Donadoni signed a two-year contract extension before Euro 2008, but the deal included an escape clause on both sides that could be put into effect within 10 days of Italy’s loss. He guided Italy to 13 wins, five draws and five losses.