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Prandelli deflects future talk - Italy boss regards Spain as favourites for Euro 2012 final
Posted Saturday, June 30, 2012 by Sky Sport

Prandelli deflects future talk - Italy boss regards Spain as favourites for Euro 2012 final
Cesare Prandelli: Happy to have guided Italy into the final and is not thinking about his own future

Cesare Prandelli has refused to be drawn into discussing his future as he focuses on trying to lead Italy to victory against a 'brilliant' Spain side.

Prandelli's contract is not due to expire until 2014 but he is a man in demand after transforming the Azzurri's fortunes and guiding them to the brink of another major tournament victory.

The 54-year-old already had an impressive reputation following five successful seasons at Fiorentina, and he admits he does miss the day-to-day involvement of domestic coaching.

But he is keen to get Sunday's showpiece in Kiev out of the way before he starts to think about his future.

"Listen, I've had my phone on and I've not had a call," he said.

"I've said before, I've got a great relationship with the Italian Football Federation and I love the shirt.

"I do miss the everyday aspect of club football, of course, but that's as far as it goes."

Underdogs

Prandelli is concentrating solely on the clash with Spain and he is anticipating a tough test against the reigning European champions and World Cup winners.

He believes Italy have to be regarded as the underdogs against such a team but concedes it is difficult not to get carried away.

"I open my eyes but I'm still dreaming," he said.

"There's great satisfaction here because everyone has put so much work into this.

"But Spain will go into the game as favourites.

"They've been working on this for many years and have dominated every single contest.

"They are a brilliant side."

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