Off and running: David Silva (left) is mobbed after opening the scoring

'The Italians have played a great tournament,' said Del Bosque. 'They had the bad luck of the injury to Thiago Motta and that's where it all ended for them, unfortunately.'

Andres Iniesta claimed the man-of-the-match award after another exceptional performance.

He is one of four players - Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Xavi are the others - to have started all three final triumphs.

'It's very nice to have this man-of-the-match trophy but it's especially great to be champions again,' he said.

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