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.