Day 19

Spain 4-0 Italy

Spain have smashed the record books, producing a scintillating display to defeat Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 Final. Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata sealed a dominant display from the Spaniards, which saw them become the first ever side to win back-to-back European Championships, as well as the first ever side to win three major international tournaments in a row (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012).

Both managers made just one change each for their sides. Vicente del Bosque named Cesc Fabregas at centre forward ahead of Alvaro Negredo, who'd started the Semi Final, and Fernando Torres, who had played in the group fixtures. While Cesare Prandelli brought Ignazio Abate into the side at right back ahead of Federico Balzaretti.

Spain dominated straight from kick off, holding onto possession for long spells and creating dangerous openings. Warning bells were ringing for the Italians when Sergio Ramos headed over from a corner, before Xavi shot wayward from the edge of the area following a delightful passing move.

On 14 minutes, Spain took the lead. Andres Iniesta played a wonderful through ball to Fabregas, who got on the wrong side of his marker before taking a touch to the byline. He then centred the ball, with Silva's glancing header finding the top corner, leaving Gianluigi Buffon with no chance.

Italy's problems were only going to get worse seven minutes later when Giorgio Chiellini was forced off the field with the same thigh strain which had troubled him throughout the tournament.

The Italians responded well to going behind, with Antonio Cassano forcing a couple of nice saves from Spanish keeper Iker Casillas, however it would be the defending champions who would double their advantage just before the break.

Jordi Alba, who was having a wonderful tournament at left back, made a lung-busting run past Xavi, who threaded a wonderful pass through to his new Barcelona teammate. Alba then took an exquisite touch past his marker before finishing calmly past Buffon's near post to make it 2-0 at half time.

It was 45 minutes of pure domination from the Spaniards. Their ability to hold the influential Andrea Pirlo quiet was achieving maximum dividends, and they'd managed two goals to take with them into the interval.

Prandelli was forced into two changes soon after half time, with Antonio Di Natale and Thiago Motta coming onto the field.

Di Natale almost made an immediate impact, heading over the bar despite being unmarked, before having a shot on the turn well closed down by Casillas.

Motta, meanwhile, lasted less than five minutes before the Italians chances thinned. He tore his hamstring setting off on a run, and was stretchered off the field without any substitution's remaining.

It meant Spain had the freedom of the midfield to work with, and del Bosque took advantage by introducing Pedro and Fernando Torres from the bench.

With just six minutes remaining, Xavi played a superbly weighted pass through to Torres, and he slotted his precise finish into the bottom corner to make it three for Spain.

Juan Mata was brought into play, and with his very first touch of the tournament, scored the fourth and final good to end the Italian rout. Sergio Busquets had played in Torres, and the striker teed up his Chelsea teammate with an unselfish cut back, leaving Mata with the simple task of touching into an empty net.

It typified the teamwork and unity of the Spanish squad. They were a team bordering on perfection in every facet of the pitch.

Italy's contribution was not to be forgotten at Euro 2012. They'd played some delightful football, and their aim of winning the Final on their terms had to be admired.

However the night belonged to Spain. This amazing group of players had written themselves into the record books yet again. Despite criticism for 'boring' football throughout the tournament, their Euro 2012 triumph has well and truly set them among the best teams to ever play this great game, if not the best team ever.