ITALY WOULD COMPETE

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The Italian national team manager Cesare Prandelli has said that the team would have been able to compete with Spain on any even basis in the final of the Euro 2012 if they had proper rest prior to the match. Italy were the surprise package of the tournament after making it into the finals. However, they lost the match badly 4-0 to Spain in one of the most one-sided finals in recent times. Even though Italy were performing extremely well up until the point, they could not match the passing game of Spain. There have also been suggestions that Italy were tired during the match after having made no great changes throughout the tournament.

After having won the Euro 2012, Spain have become the first national team to have lifted three major titles in succession. They have now won the Euro 2008, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the Euro 2012. They are once again the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2014 that will take place in Brazil. Italy came into the tournament on the back of numerous injury problems, but they have done extremely well in the tournament according to Prandelli, who has received glowing praise from Italy for his contribution.

“They made history and deservedly – they have a lot of players who are tried and tested at this level and even though they don’t play with a classic striker they certainly cause you plenty of problems. We played against them in the group stage and I thought we were excellent in that first game because we were 100 percent fit. Against a team like Spain I think you really need to be good in tackle and above all fit, they totally dominated this evening and we have to congratulate a great side for their victory,” said Prandelli.

Pirlo Calls for Success

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Andrea Pirlo is calling upon his international team mates to follow the example of his club side, Juventus in their unfamiliar situation of not being amongst the favourites. Juventus were written off by many at the start of this season, similarly to how Italy have been written off ahead of Euro 2012. Juve went on to win Serie A in an undefeated season and Pirlo believes that the Italian National side can follow his club’s example.

Pirlo dismissed the Azzurri’s critics by pointing to his own situation and the way he was written off at the start of the season. “At Milan they thought I was finished, but here I am.” At the age of 33 his career is in the winding down phase but he does not see that as any reason to lower expectations. And why would he? He has played a leading role in Juventus’ successes this season and is hoping that he could do the same in what could be his final major tournament with Italy.

The Italians it would appear are not buying into their tag as a weaker side and one that won’t be competing in the latter stages of the tournament. “Our objective is to go all the way in the competition. We are not among the favourites and we know that, but I am convinced Italy can finish in the top four. Spain are the reigning World and European Champions, so clearly they are favourites, especially with Cesc Fabregas on form. Then there are great sides like Holland, Steven Gerrard‘s England, Germany and France.”

They appreciate that their task will be an uphill one but they are aiming high and they do have the calibre and experience to go all the way. Pirlo and the Juve players in particular will be able to draw inspiration from the club’s success this season and will be hoping to repeat their impressive feat to crown a great season.