• Spain v Italy, Euro 2012 final

Prandelli admits Spain were fresher and better

David Silva put Spain on the path to victory © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Fabregas: Spain can rule for years
  
• News: Iniesta rejoices over 'magical' victory
  
• News: Spain dedicate success to loved ones and lost ones
  
• Match report: Superior Spain cement place among greatest ever
  

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was in pragmatic mood after seeing his side outclassed by Spain in the final of Euro 2012, conceding that his opponents looked "fresher" from the outset.

Italy conceded four times as they fell to the heaviest defeat in European Championship final history, ending the game with ten men after substitute Thiago Motta suffered a hamstring injury.

"It was harsh, but you could see straight away they were much fresher," Prandelli told Rai Sport after the final whistle in Kiev. "We used up a lot of energy this week and didn't have time to recover, so when 2-0 down against these players that was inevitable.

"We didn't take the wrong approach, as we realised physically they were on another level. At times the generosity of this team hurts the balance of the side. It was an extraordinary tournament and I complimented the lads for their efforts throughout Euro 2012."

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also conceded that the game with Germany took something out of the Italy side, but was quick to praise the performance of their opponents, Spain.

Buffon added: "The game with Germany felt like a Final, but tonight there was nothing to be done. They were too superior and so the regrets about losing are possibly less hard, as when you face a powerful and invulnerable force like this, you can accept the defeat easier.

"We had a great tournament, it was a wonderful journey and clearly you want to win when in the final, but here you do meet a side of your level. Tonight we met a team with an inestimable value.

"We thank the fans with all our hearts, as they never abandoned us and it gave us pride to give them these emotions. At times you meet someone stronger and so credit to them.

"The Nazionale belongs to everyone and is the only vehicle that reanimates and brings some joy back into the homes of fans."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.