France coach Domenech chose an odd moment to propose to his partner Estelle Denis - just moments after seeing his side crash out of Euro 2008.

Domenech asked for his girlfriend's hand in marriage as he was being interviewed on French television station M6 - the channel Denis works for - after the 2-0 loss at Italy.

"The only thing I am thinking of now is getting married to Estelle. I asking her for her hand in marriage," said the 56-year-old on live television.

When asked, in the press conference, why he chose that particular moment to propose, Domenech replied: "It was just a thought.

"Everyone was so sad and I thought to myself, 'Life has its beautiful moments'.

"You have to tell people you love them. In such difficult moments, you have to go to what's important. I wanted to show some emotion."

Whether such an amazing turn of events will cover up France's inadequacies at the Euros is doubtful.

Domenech said he was proud of his team's efforts against Italy.

"Yes, I am disappointed. But right now, after seeing the match and the players in the dressing room, I am proud of what they have shown," he said.

"We lost a player after 10 minutes, then saw Italy get a penalty and our player was sent off. That was a turning point.

"That handed the result to Italy but I told them (the players) I am proud of what they did. I am proud to be their head coach. It is impossible to succeed having so many catastrophes on the pitch."

The world champions took the lead in the 25th minute thanks to an Andrea Pirlo penalty after Eric Abidal was sent off for bringing down Luca Toni in the box.

Daniele De Rossi then added a second in the 62nd minute when his effort at a free-kick took a deflection off France striker Thierry Henry.

Holland beat Romania 2-0 in the other Group C game to ensure the Italians progressed.

A delighted Donadoni said: "It was a good performance. Perhaps we were playing better 11 against 11.

"After that, a bit of fear and nerves came in, but today it was a great response from all the lads.

"I never had any doubts. I knew that it would turn out like this.

"We've got a great group that really sticks together and has the right spirit."

Looking ahead to the quarter-final, Donadoni added: "Spain are a great team. We've got to be ready for them.

"The further we go the more difficult it'll be. But we'll be ready for them."