Italy’s Under-21 hero thanked his coach for the faith invested in him and insists anything is possible in the final against Spain

Fabio Borini believes he has underlined his worth after netting the winner during Italy’s 1-0 Euro Under-21 win against Netherlands on Saturday.

The Azzurrini found themselves on the back foot for much of the match, but Borini’s solitary strike proved enough to take his side to the finals of the tournament.

And the 22-year-old striker, who struggled for form and fitness in the lead up to the competition in Israel, believes coach Devis Mangia’s faith in him has been vindicated.

“I couldn’t think after the goal. In truth I knew it would end this way, and I’m happy for myself and my team-mates,” revealed Borini to reporters after the match,

“Mangia was right to pick me. I made sure I was at his disposal, recovering quickly [from shoulder injury with Liverpool] and proving it is possible to make a comeback from difficulty.”

Going into the final with defending champions Spain, Borini insisted Italy would not be intimidated: “We have proven that everything is possible.

“Now we will prepare and hope to get off to a good start in that game.”

Mangia echoed his match-winner’s words: “It was a great victory, because we never gave up, even when we suffered against a more experienced opponent.

“Everyone played well, running and playing a great game in defence. Spain are stronger than any other team, but we will try to play our own game [against them].

La Rojita made it to the final after crushing Norway 3-0 earlier on Saturday.