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.

The striker is looking increasingly likely to move club this summer after again hinting at his desire to join Real Madrid, but he acknowledges his loyalties lie with the Reds

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has called on the club to “listen” to him amid talk of a possible summer exit from Anfield.

The Uruguay international has recently admitted his desire to join Real Madrid, describing it as a “dream”, while revealing he is keen to leave England due to negative press attention.

Suarez, though, has acknowledged his loyalities must lie with his contracted club, Liverpool, but was keen to stress the importance of a player’s wishes.

“First, I have a contract with the club, but if one day I want to sign [for another club], Liverpool will hear the offer, as it does with other players,” he told Marca.

“They must agree with other teams, but the word of the player, in this case mine, is important. If you need a change, you should listen to the player.

“Every player aspires [to be the best] and if you ask a child of eight years they would say one day they would go to Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

Suarez has repeatedly attracted controversy during his time in England, being handed an eight-game ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra before a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

Liverpool fans have supported the striker throughout his spell at Anfield, and Suarez insists he will always care for the club.

“The love I have for Liverpool I will never forget,” he added. “I love the city, the club and the people and everyone is welcome. All I ask is for respect for all the things that have been said.”

Suarez maintains he has been singled out by British media, but accepts there are areas of his on-field behaviour which he could improve on.

“There are moments of importance [in games] and I have lived football in a very particular way since childhood,” he said.

“But I know I can play tricks. Sometimes I protest too much to the referee. I have to take it a bit better.”

Suarez, who is currently in Brazil preparing for the Confederations Cup with Uruguay, joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2011.

The Brazil international is desperate for the wantaway striker to remain at Anfield, while revealing his own happiness at the club

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits it would be a “great loss” if Luis Suarez left Anfield this summer.

The Uruguay international has publicly expressed his desire to quit the Premier League after suggesting negative press coverage surrounding his controversies has had an impact on his private life.

Suarez, who scored 30 goals in all competitions for Liverpool last season, also claimed it would be a “dream” to secure a move to Real Madrid.

“Luis Suarez has influenced many matches for us, and is a player, if he leaves, who would be a great loss,” Lucas told Radio Grenal.

The Brazil international insists he is content with his own future at Liverpool but concedes Brendan Rodgers’ side will not be considered favourites to win the Premier League title next season.

“It’s been six years and I am very happy at Liverpool,” he continued.

“If I fulfil my contract until the end, would be 11 years at Liverpool. Here in Europe I feel more complete than when I arrived at the club. I have evolved a lot with the coaches who have passed through here.

“The favourites to win the Premier League title are [Manchester] City, United, Chelsea, Arsenal and even Tottenham.”