As La Roja rumble on

Italy prove they a team on the up

NO MATTER how Italy fares in tomorrow’s third-place match against Uruguay, the team goes home from the Confederations Cup with heads held high.

After threatening to draw with Brazil, Italy outplayed world champions Spain for long stretches. It was nothing like the Euro 2012 final, when Spain routed Italy 4-0. “We’ll return to Brazil next year knowing we can beat even Spain,” Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini said.

Coach Cesare Prandelli built the team with players unheard of outside Italy. Players like Emanuele Giaccherini, Christian Maggio and Alessandro Diamanti prove Italy is not the same squad it once was. — Sapa-AP

Picture: REUTERS SENSATION: Brazil's Neymar who has made headlines throughout the world

Picture: Reuters HELPING HAND: Italy's Daniele De Rossi helps teammate Giorgio Chiellini stretch