A Spain squad that skims perfection. Accurate and timely in the dribble that encircles the opponent. Penetrating and merciless in the lunge, with four different players that go to goal, on a night that marks a historic hat-trick for the World Champions, already winners of the Europeans in 2008.
“It’s a historic moment for our football and I am happy for these great players,” said Spanish coach Vincent del Bosque at the end of the game, congratulating his team, which never failed during the 90 minute match.
An tired Italy was in trouble from the start of the match. “The only regret is that we had a few days to recover strength,” said Italian coach after the game, searching for a justification for a memorable drubbing. The semi-final on Thursday against Germany had taken a lot of energy to the Italian team. Three days off were not enough to find their best form.
The injury of the newly-entered Thiago Motta at 62nd minute in fact marked the end of the game, even when the score was still just 2 – 0. Prandelli had already used up all his changes when the player from Paris St. Germain suffered a pulled muscle. Italy remained outnumbered and Spain easily spread out with its fast game.
Spain played a masterful game in every corner of the field. They did not allow any room in defense, to an opponent who was forced to pull from outside the area, with the impeccable, on-time Casillas there to block the door. Accurate in ball possession in midfield, they then broke through centrally with breathtaking verticalizations. They did not look for the game on the bands, but went right to the center of Italy. Xavi was the assist man of the evening, slicing through the Italian defense: he started the action of the first goal of Silva and calibrated two invitations for the second and third goals, by Alba and Torres.
Italy struggled in front. Balotelli was never seen and he was submitted by an impressive Sergio Ramos, while Cassano left the field after an inglorious first time, with only two powerful shots from afar. The Italian team developed the game well on the wings with Balzaretti, which replaced injuried Chiellini at the 21st, but was never dangerous in attacking. Meanwhile the pianist Pirlo wasn’t able to play his good music.
