Cannavaro played well despite mistakes, says Donadoni

MILAN, March 27 (Reuters) - Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has backed captain Fabio Cannavaro despite the defender's mistakes in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Spain in a friendly.

Cannavaro, 34, has struggled at times for both Real Madrid and Italy this season, looking short of the form that helped him claim the 2006 World Player of the Year award after the Azzurri's World Cup triumph.

His weak clearing header gave David Villa the chance to lash in a superb volley, while earlier a Luca Toni effort was ruled out for Italy after Cannavaro committed a foul in the build-up.

"Cannavaro played very well," Donadoni told reporters as he dismissed question marks over his captain.

Donadoni felt his side were unlucky to lose and was pleased with the rest of his defence, especially Olympique Lyon's Fabio Grosso, whose spot in the Euro 2008 squad had looked under threat.

"Grosso was not under examination for a squad place because he has always done well but I am very satisfied with his performance," he said.

The only issue to really bother Donadoni after a lively display was constant questions over his contract. He decided with the soccer federation last week that they would discuss his future after Euro 2008 when his deal runs out.

"I don't know what to say. I do my job with passion and selflessness. The rest is just chat," he said. (Reporting by Mark Meadows; Editing by Sonia Oxley)