Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is convinced Italy could have won the U21 European Championships.

Italy defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 last night, but were eliminated after England's victory over group leaders Serbia.

Azzurrini captain Chiellini insisted: "Tonight was easily the best performance of the three games and unfortunately it was too late.

"We improved with each match and so there is real regret for the opening results, as we all believed that we could go all the way."

Italy assistant coach Gianfranco Zola said: "Clearly this is not enough, as we thought - and I still think - we deserved to go further.

"Unfortunately we are paying the price for mistakes above all in the first game, which looking carefully we did not deserve to lose. We didn't do enough against Serbia in terms of finishing.

"These things can happen and the lads can be proud they gave their all with more or less everyone playing their part."