AS Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi says Italy fans can be excited about their Euro prospects despite defeat to Uruguay.

The Azzurri suffered defeat last night, but the Roma midfielder was happy with how the team played at times.

"It's a shame about the result, but we ended the year with yet another very positive performance," he said.

"This team has an identity and has made leaps forward after a World Cup that had knocked us right down.

"In 2012 we will come back together and the thing that gives me hope is that we are consistent in terms of performance."