Tremendous once again against Spain, stopping a series of long shots, although he was fortunate when one slipped from his grasp and came off the post. Made a crucial save in the shoot-out but Antonio Di Natale's subsequent miss rendered it futile.

Another fine display against Spain and had a good UEFA EURO 2008™ overall. Made the most of probably his last hurrah in a major international tournament, scored a goal and forged an excellent central defensive partnership with Giorgio Chiellini.

One of Italy's players of the tournament. Wreaked havoc with his marauding runs down the left and made some key interventions in defence. Scored the first penalty in style and, as at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, emerged with great credit.

Only played because of injury to Fabio Cannavaro and Marco Materazzi's lack of fitness but emerged as one of the defenders of the tournament. Was simply excellent in his two matches against France and Spain and was the main reason the Azzurri held firm in the quarter-final.

Was called up as defensive cover after Cannavaro's injury but never really looked like getting a chance to play, even when Materazzi and then Andrea Barzagli suffered injuries.

A tournament to forget for the VfB Wolfsburg-bound defender. Played the first match but paid the price for the 3-0 loss to the Netherlands by being dropped. To add injury to insult he then damaged his meniscus which ended his tournament.

Was honoured to be named captain in Cannavaro's absence but his performances in the little match time he was allotted belied his status as Serie A's top goalscorer last season. Looked lively when he came off the bench against Spain but never got the chance to take his penalty.

Began the tournament with a disappointing showing against the Netherlands and was subsequently dropped. Returned to his combative best against France only to be suspended for the Spain match and the Azzurri could have done with someone to match Marcos Senna's fire in the quarter-final.

Endured a tournament to forget. Was unlucky to have a goal disallowed for offside against Romania but completely lost his way in front of goal throughout UEFA EURO 2008™. Italy were over-reliant on the big target man who played every match despite his poor return.

Won his way into the first-team after being left out of the opening match. Gave three excellent perfomances thereafter, scoring a free-kick against France and bringing energy and dynamism to the Azzurri midfield.

His tournament was typified by the penalty miss against Spain. Dropped after a disappointing match against the Netherlands he was on the margins thereafter. Roberto Donadoni gave him a second chance off the substitutes' bench against Spain but his extra-time header was saved by Iker Casillas – and so was his deciding spot-kick.

Did not get a kick at UEFA EURO 2008™ which was a shame as he always looked sharp in training. Donadoni persisted with Toni, but Borriello's better form and significant aerial threat could have been a plan B.

One of the few players to play well against the Netherlands, Ambrosini was nonetheless employed as a substitute in the subsequent two matches. Worked tirelessly in incredibly hot conditions against Spain but his defensive midfield role was largely to negate the threat of the Iberian nation's midfield, which he did to good effect.

The only excitement he had this tournament was signing for US Città di Palermo on 6 June. Did not look particularly good in training, though, and cut a peripheral figure in the Azzurri camp.

Another player that got next to no action at UEFA EURO 2008™ as Donadoni preferred to opt for his Udinese Calcio team-mate Di Natale or Alessandro Del Piero when turning to a second striker. The last 13 minutes against Romania was the 25-year-old's sum contribution.

Being third-choice goalkeeper when Buffon is No1 must be the ultimate test of one's professional resolve but De Sanctis played very well in practice matches. A lively, vocal presence, the 31-year-old Sevilla FC custodian impressed more than Amelia.

Initially used as a substitute Donadoni turned to the UC Sampdoria man for the matches against both France and Spain. Looked the only player capable of creating something out of nothing in the quarter-final and delivered a fine first-half cross to Toni, whose header was blocked by the excellent Carlos Marchena.

Looked short of pace against the lightning fast Fernando Torres in Vienna, but – after a poor match against Romania – improved as the tournament went on. His experience helped the Azzurri keep two clean sheets and his energy levels remain impressive.

Gave another hardworking performance against Spain but his industry was not matched by quality in the final third, where the Azzurri were sorely lacking.

Italy's best outfield player was named Carlsberg Man of the Match against Romania and was outstanding against France but the Azzurri paid the price for his suspension in the quarter-final. His absence in Vienna was a gaping void in Donadoni's arsenal.

Earned his first start of the tournament due to the suspension of Andrea Pirlo and played competently, albeit without making much of an impression. Had one great chance to hit a volley from 20 metres out but the long-shot specialist miscued when it mattered.

Missed his chance to impress when selected for the first match against the Netherlands, although he was unlucky that injury forced him off in the second half. Thereafter there was no budging Chiellini who was a revelation alongside Christian Panucci in the middle.