Prandelli: Balotelli can grow
July 02, 2012 08:52:03 UK
Striker Mario Balotelli has been urged to learn from his huge disappointment of not being able to help Italy to glory in the final of Euro 2012.
The Manchester City frontman had to be urged to return to the pitch to receive his runners-up medal after the Azzurri were beaten 4-0 by Spain in Kiev, with coach Cesare Prandelli telling Balotelli to take the positives out of the experience.
There was no contest, they were too superior.
Gianluigi Buffon
He said: "I told Mario that these are experiences you have to deal with and have to accept. You also have to make sure this helps you going forward and you can grow from the experience.
"This has happened to a number of players and will happen again, but this is what sport is all about."
Azzurri goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was far from downhearted by his side's loss, instead paying tribute to a Spain side who made history by winning a third consecutive international tournament.
He told BBC Sport: "There was no contest, they were too superior - so the bitterness at losing this final is only relative.
"In a final you have to win, but we played against a team of incredible quality."
Italy's next challenge will be the World Cup of 2014, with the Azzurri 23.00 to triumph in Brazil, while holders Spain are 6.00 and England are 23.00.
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