NEED TO STOP PIRLO TO WIN, SAYS RAMOS

London: Spain’s influential defender Sergio Ramos has praised veteran Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo, branding him as the reference point, and believes the reigning European champions need to stop the Juventus star to claim their third major tournament on the trot.

Spain faced Italy in their first game, and Pirlo was the man who provided the assist to Antonio Di Natale, who struck for Italy in a 1-1 draw. Ramos emulated Pirlo in dinking his spot kick into the net during Spain’s penalty shootout win over Portugal in the semi-final, and when asked if he would fancy taking penalty kick again if required in the final, the Real Madrid star said , “Quite honestly, no. I don’t fancy penalties. I want to win but to do that we have to go about things the right way,” Ramos said.

“It could be beneficial for us to have already played them but they may change strategy. They are very quick and dangerous on the break and Pirlo is unique.” — ANI