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Prandelli - Let's celebrate win
Posted Monday, June 25, 2012 by Sky Sport

Italy coach feels quarter-final success over England was deserved

Prandelli - Let's celebrate win
Cesare Prandelli: Italy coach wants to celebrate the win over England before focusing on Germany

Cesare Prandelli admits Germany are 'favourites' to win the Euro 2012 semi-final after praising Italy's 'deserved' win over England.

Italy set up a last-four showdown with Germany on Thursday after beating England 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out following a 0-0 draw in Kiev.

The Azzurri dominated the game and struck the post through Daniele de Rossi and substitute Alessandro Diamanti, who then scored the decisive spot-kick.

Prandelli acknowledged his side needed a bit of luck in the shoot-out and urged his team to celebrate their win before focusing on the clash with Germany.

Heart

"We have played a great game," the Italy coach told Rai TV.

"We deserved the win. We were really good against a big team like England. Then, at penalties, what is also needed is luck.

"This evening we played with heart, character and ideas against a difficult side. I also want to underline the spirit we showed.

"Are Germany favourites for the semi-final? Absolutely yes, but now let's celebrate this win and then we will think about the semi-final."

Standings
    Rank Team W/D/L Pts

    Cities & Stadiums

    The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments

    Year Winners Runner-up Third place
    2008SpainGermanyRussia / Turkey
    2004GreecePortugalNetherlands / Czech Republic
    2000FranceItalyNetherlands / Portugal
    1996GermanyCzech RepublicFrance / England
    1992DenmarkGermanyNetherlands / Sweden
    1988NetherlandsSoviet UnionItaly / West Germany
    1984FranceSpainDenmark / Portugal
    1980West GermanyBelgiumCzechoslovakia
    1976CzechoslovakiaWest GermanyNetherlands
    1972West GermanySoviet UnionBelgium
    1968ItalyYugoslaviaEngland
    1964SpainSoviet UnionHungary
    1960Soviet UnionYugoslaviaCzechoslovakia