Aldo Corno has quit as coach of the Italian women’s basketball team with immediate effect.

Corno falls on his sword after the Azzurre lost four out of their five first qualifiers for the 2005 European Championship.

		“	I believe I have done something positive that will help bear fuit in the future but I no longer have that passion	„
		Aldo Corno

“Two years ago I left a club to fully dedicate myself to the Azzurre project with a lot of heart and passion,” said Corno.

“I believe I have done something positive that will help bear fuit in the future but I no longer have that passion.”

Italy are due to play France in Casnate near Como later on Saturday in their latest qualifier.

Renato Nani, Corno’s assistant, will take the reins until a new coach appointed.

“When I took over the job I said this was the work of five or 10 years - maybe what I have done is build the base for someone else to complete the job,” said Corno.