Cesare Prandelli was magnanimous in defeat after seeing his team overwhelmed 4-0 by Spain, although he blamed the loss on fatigue.
“We did not play badly but soon realised it was necessary to contain the game because we were so tired,” lamented the Italy boss.
“All we can do now is congratulate the team that won because they dominated us and are the best team in the world.”
However, he felt the key to the result was the tiredness his players exhibited.
“We were very tired and we are a team that needs to be physically fit to play our game,” he argued.
“We had the opportunity to bring some life into it during the second half but we had no energy left, having arrived at a big event such as this after a long, hard season.”
Finally, he explained the difference between the first group game of the competition, when the teams drew 1-1, and the final.
“We went into that match in better shape and that was why we were able to draw.”
