La Furia Roja vs. Gli Azzurri: Who’s ready for the final?

We have had a truly magnificent Euro 2012. Somehow, the stars aligned in Poland and Ukraine and we had a tournament filled with goals, tactics, and some of the the best football to be found, anywhere. But two nations are into the final, and rightfully so. Pirlo and Balotelli have made Italians proud of their national team once again. For Xavi, Iniesta, Iker, and the rest of the Spaniards, it’s essentially been business as usual. Tiki taka will be the main force at the final, but Italy will do everything in their power to avoid defeat against the Spanish for the second time in the tournament.

Which side do you think will win Euro 2012?

Alessandro Nesta and The Classiest Moment at the Camp Nou last night

35 years old. 78 caps for Italy. 19 years of club football calcio in Italy. For Milan fans, for Italians across the world, Alessandro Nesta is a man that makes you proud to be associated with him in any way, shape, or form. Though Thiago Silva may have stolen the show at the Camp Nou last night with a last minute equaliser that allowed the match between FC Barcelona and AC Milan to finish 2-2. But the headlines only tell so much of the story. Nesta put in a performance that resembled his best days from 8 or 9 years. He never backed down against an opponent, his timing on every tackle was impeccable, and his unparalleled defensive instincts could be seen from anywhere in the stadium. This moment, this sublime tackle against the best player in the world has shown another generation of fans what true legends in this game are made of.

Such a hero. Such an inspiration.