AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano is proud of Italy after their progress out of their Euros group.

The Azzurri pushed past the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in Poznan and went through to the Euro 2012 quarter-finals thanks also to Spain's 1-0 over Croatia.

"Now we begin a new European Championship," grinned Cassano after his header.

"The important thing tonight was not my Man of the Match award, but the victory of the team and the qualification.

"This is what makes us all very happy tonight."