Prandelli: Italy deserved to win

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said his team were worthy winners after beating England 4-2 on penalties to reach the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Italy were the better side for large periods of the match, but failed to break the deadlock throughout 120 minutes of football at the Olympic Stadium, Kiev.

They ultimately prevailed in a penalty shootout, with Alessandro Diamanti netting the winning spot-kick.

Next up for Italy is a semi-final against Germany in Warsaw on Thursday.

“We played a great game and we deserved to win,” Prandelli told Rai Sport.

“We did very well against a great side, we had so many chances to score, but we had to wait for the shoot-out.

“We showed a great spirit, we stopped England from scoring on the counter. In the final moments, they went for the long balls.

“Let’s now enjoy this victory, then we will think about the match against Germany.”

Italy will have two days fewer to rest for the semi-final clash than Germany, and Prandelli said that Joachim Loew’s side are ‘clearly’ favourites for Thursday’s contest.