Prandelli praise for Italy, Alba delighted with first goal
Italy manager Cesare Prandelli
Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata saw La Roja claim a second successive European Championships title.
Prandelli admitted that Spain seemed to have the edge physically from the start of the game and their advantage was only increased when the Azzurri were forced to play the last half hour with 10 men after the withdrawal through injury of Thiago Motta.
The Italian coach had used all three of his substitutions by the time Motta pulled up with a hamstring injury.
“We saw right from the start that they looked fresher – we had spent a lot of energy in the past week,” said Prandelli.
“We didn't get things wrong, but realised from the outset we needed to constrain them because physically we were really struggling.
“It was a fantastic tournament for us and I have to congratulate the lads.”
Spain left-back Jordi Alba, who scored five minutes before half time to make it 2-0 and bring up his first international goal, expressed his delight at the result and his own personal performance.
“It was my first final and we created history; I'm very happy,” said Alba.
“I can't believe it, it has to sink in. I've also signed for Barcelona and now I want to celebrate.
“I also scored - my friends in Hospitalet told me I would.”
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