Italy's soccer federation named former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Roberto Donadoni coach of the national team replacing World Cup-winning Marcello Lippi. [filephoto]

The 42-year-old Donadoni is considered by many to be one of Italy's best soccer players in recent decades. He started his career in Serie A with Atalanta Bergamo in 1984 and transferred to AC Milan in 1986.

During his years with the team, Milan won five Serie A titles, three European Cups, three European Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups. The name 'Dona,' as fans called him, became identified with Milan's success.

As a member of Italy's national team, he played in World Cups in 1990, when Italy finished third, and again in 1994, when Italy lost the final to Brazil in a penalty shootout.