SIMPLY BEST THE
Holders batter a tired Italy as the class of 2012 become first team to retain Henri Delaunay Cup
WHEN it comes to the final game stage of an international tournament you normally wouldn’t expect a discernible gulf in class, especially when the opponents are Italy and Spain.
However, on July 1, 2012 that’s what unfolded at the Olympic Stadium, Kiev, Euro and World Cup holders Spain well and truly putting Cesare Prandelli’s side to the sword.
Shades of the 1970 World Cup were once again in evidence for the Italians – back then it was the brilliant Brazil who hit them for four – fast forward 42 years and it was the turn of Spain to humble the Azzuri.
From the off the Spaniards looked up for it, and a David Silva headed goal after 14 minutes was fully deserved.
Italy rallied briefly and Antonio Cassano twice brought saves out of skipper Iker Casillas
(above) however, a blistering run and shot from leftback Jordi Alba, resulted in a superb second to put Vicente del Bosque’s men in control at the half.
With man of the match Andres Iniesta (circled) pulling the strings, the Spanish were quite simple a class apart – Italy’s job made all the harder when their final substitue Thiago Motta suffered a hamstring injury minutes after coming on and they went down to ten men. No such problems for Spain though, their introduction to the fray of Fernando Torres and Juan Mata were the catalyst for two more goals – Torres steering home a well-worked third past Gianluigi Buffon – before unselfishly setting up Mata to round of a spectacular performance. SPAIN: Iker Casillas (c), Alvaro Arbeloa, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, Andres Iniesta. Subs; Pedro, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata.
ITALY: Gianluigi Buffon (c), Ignazio Abate, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Ricardo Montolivo, Daniele De Rossi, Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano. Subs; Federico Balzaretti, Antonio Di Natale, Thiago Motta.