Spain thrash Italy 4-0 to lift Euro Crown

Spain outclassed Italy in a 4-0 victory to clinch the Euro 2012 trophy. They made history of winning three seccessive major tournaments as they add to their 2010 World Cup 2008 Euro triumph.

Italy performed with great resolve playing admirably for long periods but were finally in a state of submission.

Vicente del Bosque's side staged a compelling claim to be the greatest international side, answering critics' allegations that they had been "boring". They started with a pace and tempo of passing that the Italians found impossible to live with.

The warning signs were posted for Italy when a long spell of possession ended with Xavi shooting just over - they were soon ahead.

Cesc Fabregas, employed in the so-called "False Nine" role as Del Bosque played without a conventional striker, delivered sensational displays. His movement seemed a mystery to the Italian defence.

He collected the masterly Andres Iniesta's pass cutting it back strongly towards Silva to head beyond keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Italy's response was intense as Antonio Cassano twice had shots saved by keeper Iker Casillas.

Jordi Alba demonstrated exactly why Barcelona were so keen to bring the graduate of their famous La Masia youth academy back to the Nou Camp from Valencia when he he scored the second goal minutes before the break.

Passing to Xavi, Alba took off like a sprinter, knowing that Xavi would return the compliment. Xavi did. Right into the left-back’s path. Alba then finished expertly, sliding the ball past Buffon.



After the break, Motta, having replaced Riccardo Montolivo for the third substitution, was carried off on a stretcher, and the Azzurri were reduced to 10 men.
They were then, ruthlessly exposed by masters of the passing art.

Fernando Torres emerged as a late substitute to make a powerful impact; steering home Spain's third then setting up Chelsea team-mate Juan Mata to inflict the final wound on a bedraggled Italy.

It was a heartbreaking night for Italy and coach Cesare Prandelli but there was no shame in being beaten by a team of such quality. They can reflect with satisfaction on their work before this chastening evening.