SPAIN manager Vicente del Bosque today hailed his golden generation of stars after La Roja romped to their third successive major tournament triumph with a 4-0 win over Italy.

Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata handed del Bosque's side a deserved win in Kiev last night as they added the Euro 2012 crown to their Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup wins.

The Spaniards were in sublime form as they swept away the Italians to win in style and del Bosque is confident there is more to come.

He said: "We are talking about a great generation of footballers. They have roots and they know how to play because they come from a country where they learn to play.

"This is the feeling of sport in our country. In football, we have done a great job. We have great lads who play abroad and that was impossible before. Before, we didn't have players abroad and now foreigners want our players. This is a great era for Spanish football.

"The way this national team is going is clear. We can't only think about [the 2014 World Cup] Brazil, but also afterwards. After the victory in Vienna, Luis Arragones, the coach, showed us the way and now we just have to go on.

"There will be more challenges. There is the World Cup and there is the Confederations Cup as well, where we will represent Europe and we want to do well."

While many would have tipped Spain to emerge victorious in Kiev, few would have predicted that they would run out such comfortable winners, with the margin of their triumph a reflection of their dominance on the night as the Azzurri failed to fire on the big stage.

The disappointment was clear on the faces of Cesare Prandelli's players, with striker Mario Balotelli heading straight up the tunnel at the end before returning to the pitch as Spain lifted the silverware.

"I told Mario that these are experiences you have to deal with and have to accept," Prandelli said. "You have to hold your hands up and say the opponents were better, accept defeat.

"But you also have to make sure this helps you going forward and you can grow from the experience. This has happened to a number of players, and will happen again, but this is what sport is all about.

"We've had a terrific European Championship and the only regret is the fact we didn't have a few extra days to rest up before this game."