“We were in the game and had some great chances, so did they, but we did not deserve to lose,” Donadoni was quoted saying on Football Italia after their 1-0 defeat.

Villa hit the winner with a fantastic volley 12 minutes from time.

“We accept the result and there was little we could do about Villa’s goal, just stand and applaud such a moment of technique," added the former Milan player.

Donadoni was subjected by criticism following his refusal to extend his stay with the Azzurri after the Euro 2008.

“I do my work with passion and great effort, just like my players and my staff. The rest is all talk.”