Bobby Gould has quit as manager of Wales after their 4-0 defeat in Italy - his 13th defeat in 24 matches in charge.

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His resignation was accepted by Welsh soccer officials after a post-match meeting despite the prospect of another crucial Euro 2000 qualifying match in four days time.

Gould: Four years in job

Gould has recommended that most capped player Neville Southall and veteran Mark Hughes are put in charge for Wednesday's game with Denmark at Anfield.

The pair were talking with Football Association of Wales officials as Gould informed the media of his decision.

"I felt I could no longer lift the players," he said.

"I believe it is in the best interest of Welsh football if I depart at this time.

"The next game is vital in this group, and Wales still have a possibility of qualifying for the European Championship."

He added: "I want them to get there and I don't think they can do it with me."

Chants

The small army of travelling Welsh fans in Bologna had resorted to a chant of "we want Bobby out" during the match.

This was Gould's 13th loss in 24 matches in charge, although the margin of defeat would have been far greater were it not for Paul Jones.

The Southampton goalkeeper defied a series of Italian attacks as the home side proved they were on a totally different level to a ragged performance from the Welsh.

Amd although it was 4-0, it was not as bad as the thrashings Gould's teams have suffered at the hands of the Netherlands and Turkey.

Mark Hughes battled away in midfield

The goals came in the first half from Christian Vieri, Filippo Inzaghi and Paolo Maldini.

Enrico Chiesa added the final blow on 89 minutes after Wales looked like they could complete a goalless second period.

The first strike came after six minutes when Vieri was criminally left alone in the six-yard box to power home a Diego Fuser corner.

After 36 minutes, Inzaghi made Andy Melville look a fool in the box with clever footwork and a strike past Jones.

Three minutes later Vieri was through on the left to set up Maldini for a side-foot home.

Dean Saunders was taken off at half-time

Wales took off Dean Saunders at the break and tried the strength of John Hartson up front.

But the depth of their defence and the space the Italians enjoyed was still causing the same problems as Dimitri Albertini dominated midfield.

There were flashes of Ryan Giggs's skills, but he was unable to shine in a central striking role.

Wales first real shot came after 58 minutes from Gary Speed as Jones was forced into fine saves from Vincenzo Montella and then Paolo Negro.

It looked like Wales had survived in the second half with their running and effort, but two minutes from time, they were hit again with a stunning 30-yarder from substitute Chiesa.

Italy: Buffon, Panucci, Maldini, Albertini, Cannavaro, Negro, Fuser, Conte, Inzaghi, Vieri, Di Francesco. Subs: Toldo, Pancaro, Di Livio, Ambrosini, Giannichedda, Montella, Chiesa.

Wales: Jones, Robinson, Barnard, Page, Melville, Williams, Bellamy, Saunders, Giggs, Hughes, Speed. Subs: Jenkins, Legg, Coates, Symons, Pembridge, Hartson, Crossley.