A disappointed Mario Balotelli stormed straight down the tunnel at the final whistle of Sunday's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2012 final in Kiev.
The Spaniards did such a great job of shutting down Italy's attack in a 4-0 rout that Balotelli rarely even got the ball in a scoring position.
It left Balotelli shattered after he had experienced the joy of notching a brace in the semi-final victory over Germany.
Immediately after the final whistle blew, Balotelli stormed off the pitch in frustration, angrily shrugging off an Italian official who attempted to block his path to the changing room
The 21-year-old eventually came back out to collect his medal in the Olympic Stadium before sitting down on the pitch where he was consoled by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.
"I told Mario that these are experiences you have to deal with and have to accept," said Prandelli.
"You have to hold your hands up and say the opponents were better, accept defeat.
"But 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."
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| Italy forward Mario Balotelli looks dejected as he speaks with his coach Cesare Prandelli Photo: Getty Images |
The Spaniards did such a great job of shutting down Italy's attack in a 4-0 rout that Balotelli rarely even got the ball in a scoring position.
It left Balotelli shattered after he had experienced the joy of notching a brace in the semi-final victory over Germany.
Immediately after the final whistle blew, Balotelli stormed off the pitch in frustration, angrily shrugging off an Italian official who attempted to block his path to the changing room
The 21-year-old eventually came back out to collect his medal in the Olympic Stadium before sitting down on the pitch where he was consoled by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.
"I told Mario that these are experiences you have to deal with and have to accept," said Prandelli.
"You have to hold your hands up and say the opponents were better, accept defeat.
"But 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."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
