Niersbach: Italy drive you to despair

German FA president Wolfgang Niersbach has spoken of the ‘despair’ in the changing room following Germany’s 2-1 loss to Italy.

Joachim Loew’s much-fancied side crashed out of the tournament after being outplayed in their semi-final with Italy on Thursday, with Mario Balotelli putting Cesare Prandelli’s team ahead with two first half goals.

The Italians have never lost a competitive match against Germnay and Niersbach said that record is beginning to take its toll on the players.

“You could feel that the players were very depressed in the changing room,” he told ARD.

“It takes some time to crawl out of that hole again. It’s always the same when you play against the Italians. It’s enough to drive you to despair.”

The Euro 2012 final between Italy and Spain will be played in Kiev on Sunday.