Superb Spain rout Italy to retain title in style

Spain cemented their status as football's global superpower in vintage style by thrashing an overwhelmed Italy 4-0 to retain their European championship title.

The victory in an excellent final full of attacking intent meant they become the first team to win back-to-back European Championships - either side of their maiden World Cup triumph in 2010.

Spain attacked from the start and went ahead after 14 minutes with a David Silva header and doubled the lead four minutes before halftime when left back Jordi Alba galloped past a frozen Italian defence onto a precise Xavi pass before planting a confident shot beyond Gianluigi Buffon.

Italy's slim hopes of a comeback disappeared when third substitute Thiago Motta pulled a hamstring, leaving his side down to 10 men for the final half-hour. Fernando Torres became the first player to score in two Euro finals when he made it 3-0 six minutes from time and fellow substitute Juan Mata added the fourth.

Centre forward Alvaro Negredo started the semi-final against Portugal but Fabregas has been deployed to play in the roving forward role. Del Bosque made no other changes for the game at the Olympic Stadium.

Right back Ignazio Abate returns to Italy's starting 11 in place of Federico Balzaretti after recovering from a muscle injury in their only change from the semi-final win over Germany.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has again opted to deploy Mario Balotelli, who netted both goals in the 2-1 defeat of the Germans, and Antonio Cassano in the forward line.

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 17-Alvaro Arbeloa, 15-Sergio Ramos, 3-Gerard Pique, 18-Jordi Alba; 16-Sergio Busquets, 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi; 6-Andres Iniesta, 21-David Silva, 10-Cesc Fabregas

Italy: 1-Gianluigi Buffon; 7-Ignazio Abate, 15-Andrea Barzagli, 19-Leonardo Bonucci, 3-Giorgio Chiellini; 21-Andrea Pirlo; 8-Claudio Marchisio, 18-Riccardo Montolivo, 16-Daniele De Rossi; 9-Mario Balotelli, 10-Antonio Cassano

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)