Cesare Prandelli believes a draw was a fair result after seeing his side tussle with Spain in their first Euro 2012 game.
Udinese striker Di Natale makes a case for starting role
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes a draw was a fair result after seeing his side tussle with European champions Spain in their first Euro 2012 game.
The Italians showed plenty of their usual defensive solidity but also displayed an attacking flair as they took the game to the Spanish.
Antonio Di Natale put them ahead on the hour mark, just four minutes after coming on, with a curling finish of real quality.
However, the champions were level just five minutes later through Cesc Fabregas, which left Prandelli rueing his side's inability to hold their advantage.
Conceeded
"I think it was the right result," Prandelli told
Rai tv.
"There is a slight regret that we conceded so soon after we had scored."
Italy started the game with Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano in attack but finished it with Di Natale and Sebastian Giovinco in their places.
Prandelli refused to comment on the difference between the striking duos and instead praised their contributions to the result.
Disposal
He added: "The important thing is that the players have done what I asked them. We played well and played as a team."
Italy's goalscorer Di Natale said: "I'm happy to have been able to score just a few minutes after coming onto the pitch.
"I am at the disposal of the coach and I will play whenever it is possible. The draw was a good result for us."
