Andrea Pirlo felt he had no other option but to foul Karim Benzema on the stroke of half-time to preserve Italy's 1-0 lead and help the Azzurri beat France on Tuesday night.
The world champions ended up winning 2-0 to progress to a quarter-final match-up against Spain.
But the AC Milan midfielder picked up his second booking of Euro 2008 with the foul and will not be available for Sunday's showdown in Vienna.
Pirlo, who scored the opener from the penalty spot, and was arguably his country's best player in the group stage, said: "Unfortunately I picked up a yellow card and there was little I could do about it.
"I knew I had to make the tackle because it was a fast counter-attack from France and I had to stop the play considering we had at the other end of the pitch Simone Perrotta down because of injury."
However, Pirlo could not hide his delight as Italy progressed also thanks to Holland's 2-0 triumph over Romania in the other Group C game.
"I'm very happy with the result and with my goal," he added.
"We knew this was going to be a very difficult game for us but we battled and we got the result we wanted.
"We also have to thank Holland, as their result has allowed us to progress. Holland have proved what a strong team they are."
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni will have no choice but to reshuffle his midfield for the clash against Spain with Pirlo's Milan team-mate Gennaro Gattuso also unavailable having picked up his second booking.
However, Pirlo believes his team-mates will come up with the goods.
"There are many players that can take my role," said Pirlo.
"The important thing is that we play with the same fighting spirit we showed against France to go far in this tournament."
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Comment 1 - 12 of 12
I hope Italy can overcome Spain. Toni should be played in the first half and taken off if he continues to make missing goals an artistic skill. In the World Cup, he only scoered against the Ukraine which is why it took 12 different Italians to score! So if Toni continues his goal drought then smaller and fastwer Del Piero should come in to partner the relentless Cassano.
Comment on:
"Luca Tony must be sidelined,he's too slow and must be made to realise he is not an automatic choice for the team. If there's no one to feed him accurately,don't play him.
Tony Gandolfo."
First off his last name is Toni. And you have no clue what the hell you are talking about
pirlo's loss now shed lights on a small mistake donadoni committed when he returned home montolivo, who in my opinion is pirlo's successor in the italian football team. however he will have to rely on de rossi to fill this gap, but this will mean less chances for de rossi to advance forward...
seems like david h. is a child or someting else, how dare he violate the name of defender god fabio cannavaro,he is a truly man and a CAPTAIN,so if you dont like the italians,dont watch them playing,you could be very disappointed by them winning the trophy instead of te english.........!!!!!
i predict an italy portugal final with italy lifting the famous trophy
Luca Tony must be sidelined,he's too slow and must be made to realise he is not an automatic choice for the team. If there's no one to feed him accurately,don't play him.
Tony Gandolfo.
Italy will be out in quarter Finals......
The world champions lost not only a great player but also a true midfield commander. Italy will suffer from this but it is time for other players to show their capacity in a time of need. Playing D.De Rossi, Aquliani and Simone Perrotta in midfield they can cover the area which previously covered by Gennare Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo. Forsa Italy.
Pirlo did the right thing by tackling Benzema, but a wrong one by saying many players can play his role, because it will take five Italian midfielders combined to do what Pirlo does. And again what shall it take Donadoni to not only bench Luca Toni but expel him from the team!!!??? He is just occupying space for no reason. Tony suuuccccckkkks how can't the coach see that.......... by the way I predicted the finals was goimg to be Italy vs Spain but how unfortunate the'll have to knock each other out. Well the winner shall go all the way to carry the cup. Adios amigos........
cannavro is a @#$% cheat anyway
Pirlo's loss is not good but this may just help italy remaining players to show they are worth a place in the team.
pirlo's loss is even worse than canavaro's
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