Italy were defeated 4-0 in Kiev as Spain celebrated their second successive European Championship triumph.
The Azzurri found themselves behind early on following a David Silva header, with the Spaniards doubling their lead four minutes before the interval though Jordi Alba. Fernando Torres sealed victory in the closing stages by guiding a low strike into the bottom corner, and Juan Mata completed the rout with a close-range finish.
Cesare Prandelli went with the same six Bianconeri who put in a solid performance in Italy’s deserved semi-final victory over Germany on Thursday: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Pirlo and Marchisio.
Italy started the brighter of the two sides but were soon pegged back as Spain settled into their passing game. And with fourteen minutes on the clock, the reigning European champions edged their noses in front. Iniesta’s slide rule pass found Fabregas, who clipped the ball back for David Silva to head home.
The Azzurri’s response was instant as they forced a succession of corners and subsequently regained control of possession. Prandelli was forced to shuffle his pack when Chiellini pulled up injured, making a like for like switch with full-back Balzaretti coming on in his place.
But just as Italy were growing in midfield thanks to Pirlo’s pinpoint passing, Vicente Del Bosque’s men doubled their lead shortly before the break. Jordi Alba collected Xavi’s return pass and kept his cool to slot past Buffon.
Required to chase a two-goal deficit, Prandelli acted accordingly by freshening things up in attack with the introduction of Di Natale. The Azzurri’s luck, however, went from bad to worse as Thiago Motta, on as the third and final change, went off just minutes after entering the fray, forcing Italy to play out the final half an hour with ten men.
Getting back into the encounter with a numerical disadvantage was always going to be a tall order, and the fresh legs of Fernando Torres and Juan Mata scored a goal apiece to make sure of victory.
Despite the disappointment of falling at the final hurdle, Italy will take heart from their impressive showing in this year’s tournament.
The eight Bianconeri deployed over the course of the campaign have all put in competent performances and will once again provide a reliable spine for the World Cup qualification campaign.
Source: Juventus.com
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