Del Bosque not happy with Spain’s favourite tag
KIEV, Ukraine ● Despite their status as reigning world and European champions, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque does not think his side will go into Sunday’s Euro 2012 final with Italy as overwhelming favourites. With fancied teams such as Germany and the Netherlands having already fallen by the wayside, Spain are the only pre-tournament favourites [...]
Pirlo, the player of the tournament
KIEV, Ukraine ● Being voted man of the match in a Euro 2012 semi-final when a team mate has scored two superb goals in a 2-1 victory is some indication of the all-powerful influence Andrea Pirlo has on Italy at the moment. Mario Balotelli grabbed the headlines in the semi-final win over Germany, but not [...]
Italy always thrives when it is ‘down’
KIEV, Ukraine ● Italy have a special ability to achieve beyond their means in times of difficulty, according to captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. History is on the brink of repeating itself in the most curious of manners as the Azzurri prepare to tackle world champions Spain in the Euro 2012 final here on Sunday. [...]
Proenca gets nod for second major final
WARSAW, Poland ● Portugal’s Pedro Proenca will referee his second major European final in a matter of months as on Friday UEFA announced he would be in charge of Sunday’s Euro 2012 final between Spain and Italy. The 41-year-old refereed the Champions League final in May which saw Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties. Proenca’s [...]
‘The best night of my life’
WARSAW, Poland ● Mario Balotelli labelled Italy’s 2-1 victory over Germany the most wonderful night of his life, after his two goals fired Cesare Prandelli’s side into the Euro 2012 final with Spain. Balotelli had his best game to date in a blue shirt as he turned the tide in Italy’s favour [...]
Defense still frame of Italy’s new (power) house
WARSAW. Poland ● For a side who professed to have abandoned the catenaccio style of defence that has served them so well down the years, Italy have clearly not lost the art of defending well as they indulge in a more eye-pleasing approach. A 2-1 semi-final victory over Germany on Thursday, that put [...]
Mario Balotelli shows what he is worth
WARSAW, Poland ● In the end it was Mario 2, Germany 1, but overall it was the real Super Mario show on a night that the world watched and saw Italy beat the team, that most thought would sail into the final of Euro 2012. Germany however was stunned, stung and hurt so much it [...]
Germany building up a head of steam
WARSAW, Poland ● Germany coach Joachim Loew has hinted he will instruct his team to raise their second-half tempo in Thursday’s Euro 2012 semi-final against Italy in an attempt to tire out the Azzurri. The Italians played 120 minutes in Sunday’s quarter-final against England as it finished goalless after extra-time before the Azzurri finally won [...]
Italy: when it works, it works
WARSAW, Poland ● Daniele De Rossi says Italy will put their faith in their own style of play when they tackle the favoured Germans at the National Stadium here on Thursday in their Euro 2012 semi-final. Italy hold the Indian sign over their opponents having never lost to Germany in seven competitive matches. But Germany [...]
