Some one might say the loser will be soon forgot, but Cesare Prandelli's side playing with fabulous attacking football in UEFA Euro 2012, the memories to them will last for long. Their performances were exciting and charming for their defensive football and brand-new creativity.

A quick overview

Cesare Prandelli's men suffered a baptism in the opening group game, facing the champions of World Cup and Euro Cup, Italy finally tied Spain with 1-1. This game officially means the start of the Azzurri's following great performance in this Euro. As the game progressing, driven by outstanding midfielder Andrea Pirlo, the attacking football they played attracted an astonishing number of neutral fans. When confronting with Croatia, Ireland, England and Germany, Italy created a lot of goal scoring chances and their performances won over all the fans again. However, their dream was not realized at last, Spain ended all the hopes of the Azzurri little by little.

High point

Although tied Spain and eliminated England by shoot-out, the high points that Italy topped in this Euro was the victory over Germany in the Semi-final without doubt. Loew's sides with powerful attacking strength were promising at pre-competition, but Italy began to make robust effort after standing up the attacking from opponent at the beginning. Andrea Pirlo kept his efficient playing at midfield. The Azzurri's net was firmly secured under the protection of Juventus players and at the mean time Mario Balotelli scored two times in front court.

Key player

It was Andrea Pirlo's appearance that brought creative force to Italy and his influence continues today. Pirlo played as the smart brain in the midfield of team in Euro this term. His view, insight, accurate passing and ‘Panenka' penalty in the shoot-out against England all these left a deep impression on people. Besides, he won Carlsberg Man of the Match awards two times, just as Cesare Prandelli said, He is one of the best midfielders in the world. Others may get forward and score more but the consistency he shows over 90 minutes is extraordinary.

The hope for the future

From pre-competition to the match Mario Balotelli had been the headlines of Newspapers of Italy, England, Poland and etc. And at the end of Euro, people's attention on him will never decline. This 21-year-old young player gave a significant in the group match against Ireland first helping the Azzurri seal the winner. Then nobody could stop Super Mario to show his amazing vigor when confronting with Germany. It is believed that he will be the mainstay of Italy.

Coach Prandelli spoke highly of the Azzurri squad

"As long as we play football we are a good side. So long as we try to take supremacy in midfield we are a good side, but if we try to protect a result we become a side with a thousand fears. I have to compliment my team because they really played an excellent tournament."