Trap refuses to resign

Trapattoni's contract with Italy runs out on July 15 and he is widely expected to be replaced but he declined invitations to resign before a meeting of the Italian Football Federation on Friday.

"It is not a matter for me," he told a news conference. "My motto is don't give up".

The Italy coach said he did not want to get involved in the heated discussions that followed the 2-2 draw between Denmark and Sweden which ensured Italy finished third in Group C despite their 2-1 win over Bulgaria.

"I think I was clear before the game when I said that those players from the north, have a certain sporting ethic and I don't think they would play a game in the manner in which you are underlining," he said.

"Leave me out of that way of thinking".