It all comes down to this.The last two world champions combating in Kiev to become the champions of Europe in 2012, Spain playing the part of the mighty defending champions, unwilling to move over so that the discounted juggernaut - the sleeping giant, if you will - in Italy can take their seat on the throne. These two teams from Group C have had their bumps and bruises since they opened the tournament against each other, but in the end, through all the close calls, injuries, and hardships, they've made their way to the Final.
For Italy, the headlines might read that EURO '12 was Mario Balotelli's 'coming out party,' but in reality, the road has been marked by the leadership of Andrea Pirlo, Danielle de Rossi, and Cesare Prandelli. Pirlo has been the toast of the tournament, being both creator and finisher, and has certainly recapture glory of days past. De Rossi has been the glue. His holding midfield abilities have never been in question, but his leadership and ability to step into a variety of different roles in the ever-changing Italy scheme has allowed Prandelli to take chances, knowing he can always rely on de Rossi to get him out of a pinch. And finally, we have Prandelli himself. Having used formations such as 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 4-3-3, and others, his tactics have been fresh and keeping opponents on their toes, which as allowed the Azzurri to cast aside the staleness that landed them an early exit from the 2010 World Cup. This Italy team is great at the back and confident at the front, making them an unbearably difficult competition, culminating in an impressive 2-1 win over Germany in the Semi-Finals.
La Furia Roja have paved their way to Kiev with tainted success. Though they continue to dominate the scoreboard and possession, many feel their attack has lost it's edge. This has been amplified by the lack of a true striker, with Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas filling in for ineffective options in Fernando Torres and Negredo up front. David Silva and Fabregas have both been terrific this tournament, proving that despite all the criticism, which was at its worse during a nervy penalty win over Portugal in the Semi-Finals in a match that Portugal by all rights should have won, Spain still is the team to beat. And with coach Vincente del Bosque's wonderful tactics and calm demeanor and the steady hands of captain and keeper Iker Casillas holding the Spanish reins, Spain will feel they have no reason no to win their second consecutive European Championship.
Prediction:
Italy 2 - 1 Spain (aet)
I'm convinced. I picked Italy to crash and burn before the tournament began, but between the incredible technique and finishing of Cassano and Balotelli, the creative force of Pirlo, Marchisio, and Montolivo, the never give up mentality of de Rossi and Bonucci, and of course, everything that is Gigi Buffon, I just think Italy are too much for Spain, who seem to need something fresh in their attack. While in their heyday of 2009 and 2010 possession was what made the Spanish machine churn out wins and trophies, I just feel that they're missing that extra step - that edge - that would normally have them see off Italy. Silva, Iniesta, or Fabregas could certainly provide that spark, but as it stands, I just haven't seen it in this tournament. I've got Balotelli and Fabregas scoring in regular time, and Ricardo Montolivo providing the winner in the additional half hour. He deserved a goal against Germany, so why not get one here, right?
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That's it for this time. Next week, I'll wrap up EURO 2012 and give some awards, as well as give a brief rundown of my predictions of the Top 6 in major European leagues for the 2012/13 season based on what they've done so far. Until then, best of luck to all of you, and happy watching.
Kevin Kryston
Host, Football Central w/ Matt and Kevin
Thursdays 6-8 (Aug. thru April) on 99.5 and 98.1 WUDR Dayton Flyer Radio
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