Devis Mangia’s Azzurrini fell at the last hurdle as the European Championship final ended in disappointment for Italy. A superior Spanish side saw off the Italians 4-2, playing a magical blend of technical and tactical football.
Things may have been different, when at 1-1 Alessandro Florenzi missed a golden opportunity to put his team ahead, but it was never going to be Italy’s night as Spain dominated much of the match.
However, the team leaves the Championship with its head held high having given the tifosi so much enjoyment throughout their journey towards the final.
Francesco Bardi – 6.5 – Important
Italy’s best player on the night. Made some crucial saves in the first half to ensure his side did not surrender too early but could do little with the four that hit the net.
Giulio Donati – 6 – Subdued
The full back tried as much as he could to push forward but the Spanish were just to strong when pressing the space on the flanks. Never gave up and has firmly placed himself in the shop window.
Vasco Regini – 5 – Weak
A target for many of the Spain attacks, Regini was just not good enough. Gave away the second penalty very clumsily.
Luca Caldirola – 5.5 – Average
Had no answer to the opponents forwards and on this performance lacks the necessary tools to make it at the highest level.
Matteo Bianchetti – 6 – Promising
Marginally better than Caldirola and made some decent tackles. Ultimately still has a long way to go to becoming a top defender
but he seems ahead of his compatriots.
Alessandro Florenzi – 5 – Frustrating
Had the golden chance to put Italy ahead with the score at 1-1 and missed another great opportunity in the second half. A bad night for the Roma man.
Marco Verratti – 5 – Lost
The player most fans were hoping could grab this game and control it failed to turn up this evening. Another early yellow card put him on edge and was second best all night.
Fausto Rossi – 5.5 – Disappointing
Too many balls given away needlessly and was outclassed by the Spanish midfield. Made little impact.
Lorenzo Insigne – 5.5 – Lacking
Along with Verratti, Insigne was Italy’s brightest hope and a player many believe was on a par with his Iberian cousins. However, tonight the Napoli forward was anything but bright and had no answer to the double teaming of the Spanish defence.
Fabio Borini – 6 – Fleeting
Scored Italy’s second but before that you would not have been far wrong if you had questioned whether or not the Liverpool striker was on the pitch at all.
Ciro Immobile – 6 – Generous
Scored a super equaliser to put the Azzurrini straight back into the match with an excellent goal. After that was never given another sniff by his markers.
Manolo Gabbiadini – on after 57 minutes – 5
A player who will get further chances but his entrance into this match was coincidental.
Riccardo Saponara – on after 57 minutes – 5
Failed to make the impact Mangia would have hoped for.
Marco Crimi – an after 75 minutes – No Vote
Devis Mangia – 7
Harsh marks perhaps for the Azzurrini given they had played so well leading up to the final. But the team paid for the fact that the majority of the squad plays in Serie B, and the few that do play at the top level just did not make the difference when it mattered.
Putting this into consideration, a scoreline of 4-2 and the chances that his side created which could have made the difference, it’s possible to say that the coach actually over exceeded all expectations. Not much more could have been asked of il Mister.
