Spain 4-0 Italy: talkSPORT rates and slates the Euro 2012 finalists
talkSPORT rates and slates Euro 2012's record-breaking Spanish winners and their beaten Italian opponents...
SPAIN
Iker Casillas – 8/10 - Had to be alert from set-pieces in the opening minutes as Italy looked to trouble Spain. Tipped the ball away at a crucial moment to take it from Balotelli's head for what would have been a certain equaliser. Had little to do for most of the second half.
Alvaro Arbeloa – 6/10 - Looked exposed down the right with Silva tucking in and offering little protection. Slipped to allow Cassano a shot on goal that could have caused Spain a problem, and was Spain's least comfortable player in possession.
Sergio Ramos – 7/10 - Fought hard with Balotelli and recovered quickly from a few shaky moments early on. Grew into the game gradually and defended well from set plays when Italy came knocking. Got forward well later in the second half.
Gerard Pique – 7/10 - Looked assured when dealing with Cassano and got away with picking up a needless yellow early on. Kept Italy's forwards quiet and distributed the ball well.
Jordi Alba – 7/10 - Provided an out ball on the left with his quick runs, and finished brilliantly from Xavi's sublime through ball for the second goal. Will be a frightening addition to Barcelona's team.
Sergio Busquets – 6/10 - Did his job with little fuss by winning and recycling possession. Kept Balotelli quiet by winning second balls when required.
Xabi Alonso – 6/10 - Less influential than in earlier games in the tournament as he was eclipsed by Xavi. Still, rarely misplaced a ball.
Andres Iniesta – 7/10 - Typically adventurous, Iniesta was always the most likely Spanish player to take on an opponent. Played a defence splitting pass to undo Italy for the opener and constantly troubled the Italian back line.
David Silva – 6/10 - Scored the opener after a brilliantly timed run to head home a Fabregas cross. Subbed for Pedro as he started to wane in the second half.
Xavi Hernandez – 9/10 - Involved in Spain's most dangerous moments from the opening minutes, and provided a clinical side to Spain's passing with a through ball for Alba's goal. Bagged a second assist with a brilliant pass to Torres. Masterful.
Cesc Fabregas – 7/10 - Drifted into forward positions throughout to create space for those around him in midfield. Made a brilliant run and executed a cutback to perfection for Silva's opener. Job done by the time he left the pitch in the 74th minute.
Subs
Pedro Rodriguez – 5/10 - Came on for Silva to give extra protection to Arbeloa and add pace out wide. Took the wrong option with Torres through on goal in the dying minutes. Fernando Torres – 7/10 - Replaced Fabregas with 15 minutes to play. Full of running and it paid off when he beat the offside trap to score Spain's third. He was selfless to provide the assist Mata for the fourth. Takes the Golden Boot with three goals and an assist.
Juan Mata – 5/10 - Came off to allow Iniesta a well deserved ovation in the 86th minute. Played his first and only five minutes of football at Euro 2012, but it was enough to grab a goal after a piece of class from Torres.
ITALY
Gianluigi Buffon – 6/10 –Legendary Juventus goalkeeper was unable to do anything about the four strikes which found the back of his net. Made some good stops.
Ignazio Abate – 5/10 – The AC Milan right-back put in an OK display but was overrun as the game went on.
Giorgio Chiellini - 3/10 – The uncompromising defender was shown up by Fabregas for Spain’s goal and then substituted due to an injury after 20 minutes.
Andrea Barzagli - 4/10 – Didn’t spot Silva’s run for the Spaniard’s opener and cynically fouled Iniesta to earn a booking. Looked off the pace.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6/10 – Steady at the back and dealt with most threats. He was lucky not to give away a penalty for handball.
Andrea Pirlo – 6/10 – Excellent deliveries from set-pieces but couldn’t quite impose himself on the match as Spain’s hardworking midfield shut him down quickly.
Claudio Marchisio – 5/10 – Unable to get into the game but he did test Casillas with a fierce drive in the first half.
Riccardo Montolivo – 6/10 - Full of clever flicks and tricks but couldn’t make any progress against a superior Spanish midfield.
Daniele De Rossi – 6/10 – A typically all-action display from the Roma star as he tried to tame the Spaniards with crunching tackles.
Mario Balotelli – 5/10 – It wasn’t to be the striker’s night as he failed to make his presence felt. Spain limited him to long range efforts.
Antonio Cassano – 4/10 – Looked lost between Spain’s defensive and midfield lines. He just couldn’t create chances like he had in earlier games.
Subs
Federico Balzaretti -5/10 - His introduction immediately improved the Italians but he was often penned back by Spain, limiting his attacking endeavours.
Antonio Di Natale – 4/10 – Looked bright after coming on as a half-time sub but faded quickly.
Thiago Motta – 2/10 – The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder managed to play for only three minutes before injuring his hamstring and exiting the game on a stretcher.
How did you rate the Euro 2012 finalists? Leave your comments below...