FIGC Vice-President Demetrio Albertini has criticised the lack of preparation time for the Final and clubs for not supporting Italy.
FIGC Vice-President Demetrio Albertini has criticised the lack of preparation time for the Final and clubs for not supporting Italy.
“Sport gives you joy and disappointment, we know this. It’s only natural that they believed even when facing the difficulties of a side like Spain,” he said after the 4-0 defeat.
“Sadly we were not in the best condition for this Final, as it’s tough to recover in just two days. We went beyond our physical limits.
“Perhaps the only way would’ve been to change five of the starting XI, but everyone would’ve said the Coach had gone mad, so you can’t win.
“This second place makes us all proud of the lads. Spain played the perfect game in the opening half-hour, we lost Giorgio Chiellini straight away and it was evident Italy were tired against the world’s best team.
“If you look at 4-0, then it’s bad, but looking at the whole tournament then Italy have done very well, consolidated their belief and forged an identity.
“The Azzurri played great football and we know that we are on the right track to lay the foundations for the future.
“We brought millions of people into the city streets to celebrate, wave the flag and sing the anthem, so we achieved something wonderful.
“When it comes to beginning work with the Azzurri, very few people contribute, then once we get to a certain stage suddenly everyone is involved and wants to take credit.
“After all, international tournaments can give more value and experience to players, more so than the Champions League, so clubs ought to be more supportive.”