Tiredness makes Italy leave EURO with regrets, says Prandelli

KIEV - Italy's coach Cesare Prandelli said Italy's regret was their tiredness having prevented them from showing their best against Spain in the Euro 2012 final on Sunday night.

David Silva's header, Jordi Alba's cool finish, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata's goal relay in the last 10 minutes ensured the reigning world and European champions to become the first team in football history to clinch three major titles in a row.

While Italy, who were in the final for the first time in 12 years, again failed to claim a second European crown after their triumph in 1968. They prepared for the final with one less day of rest than Spain.

Italy's Andrea Pirlo (R) and Mario Balotelli react after losing their Euro 2012 final soccer match against Spain at the Olympic stadium in Kiev July 1, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

"Our only regret is that we were so tired. We were up against a great side, the world champions, and as soon as we went down to ten men it was game over," said Prandelli, referring to the third substitute Thiago Motta who played only about four minutes and was injured, forcing Italy to play with one man less in the last ten minutes.

Exactly three weeks before the final clash, Italy tied with Spain 1-1 in their Group C match.

"We played against Spain in the group stage and I thought we were excellent then - because we were 100 percent fit. Against a team like Spain you need to be at your best. But tonight we weren't."

After the shocking early exit in World Cup in South Africa, Italy, under Prandelli's two-year guidance, have changed their traditional counter-attack strategy to a more open and free-flowing style, which helped them beat England and Germany in the knock-out rounds of this tournament.

"I think we've had a terrific European Championship. Italy have shown terrific team spirit. They've shown you can play attacking football and you can lose with dignity," added by the Italian.

With the 4-0 victory, Spain have broke new ground by becoming the first team to win the back-to-back European championship.

"They have made history tonight and deservedly so," said the 55-year-old.

"When we leave Kiev and see the stadium lights, I will have pangs of disappointment. But I leave proud," said Prandelli.