Italy Euro 2012 Stats

The key is to control the game. If we have the ball, he'll participate less and cause us fewer problems.

The above quote by Gerard Piqué about Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the semi-final with Portugal summed up Spain's approach during Euro 2012. In a typically excellent piece by Sid Lowe for the Guardian (from which the above quote is taken), Spain's approach is described as being anaesthetic rather than aesthetic. The crux is that by controlling the ball, Spain are able to …

Both the Azzurri and Croatia came into this game unchanged and in full confidence after their recent performances against Spain and the Republic of Ireland. Italy’s first half performance was comfortable - with the midfield trio of Pirlo, Marchisio and Thiago Motta running the show and the front line of Balotelli - Cassano were provided with constant ammunition. It was Andrea Pirlo who broke the deadlock with a trademark placed free kick from 25 yards out. Incredibly, Pirlo became the …