Euro 2012: Italian press says 'thanks anyway'

Italy's press on Sunday recognised Spain's historic achievement of winning back-to-back European titles but saluted their players for reaching the final.

Matchcentre | Match in pics | Euro 2012

"Thanks anyway, Italy," the online edition of la Repubblica said, as the country's dailies acknowledged Spain's superiority in their 4-0 victory in Kiev over a tired but proud Azzurri.

"Spanish Greats," said the website of the Gazzetta dello sport, adding that Cesare Prandelli's side were no match for "the technical and athletic superiority of the Iberians".

"Italy, the end of a dream," said the Corriere dello sport, pointing out that the national side had effectively "played with 10 men as Thiago Motta was injured (in the 61st minute) and Prandelli had no more changes".

"The match immediately became one sided after Silva's goal and (Giorgio) Chiellini limped off (in the first-half)," commented repubblica.it.