Italy Spain’s last obstacle on way to making history

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Published time: July 01, 2012 10:16
Edited time: July 01, 2012 14:16

The Euro 2012 is coming to a close with the much anticipated final between reigning European and World champions Spain and hard charging Italy scheduled for Sunday night in the Ukrainian capital city of Kiev.

The Italian coach Cesare Prandelli has praised the attitude of super-striker Mario Balotelli ahead of the decider. The 2006 World champions held a training session at the city's Olympic stadium where the final will be held.

Balotelli was being put through his paces as he prepares for the final showdown. He scored both Italy's goals in their 2-1 semi-final win over Germany, and the Manchester City star needs just one more to claim the tournament's Golden Boot.

Prandelli says the 21-year-old has done everything that has been asked of him as Italy looks to extend their unbeaten run in official matches under the manager to 16 games.

Meanwhile, a victory would make Spain the first team ever to win back-to-back European championship titles. And they could also become the first side to win three major tournaments in a row after lifting the World Cup in 2010.

The teams drew 1-1 in the group stage, suggesting another tight game is in the works. And since it's a hard one to call, why not ask an elephant who will win the final? Citta, currently residing at the Warsaw zoo, has predicted all of the winners in the knockout stage of the competition. As for Sunday’s match, well, she’s given the nod for an Italian victory by choosing a melon with their name on it.

The animal had a rough start at the start of the tournament, getting her first three predictions wrong.