Mario is a big game player, he will put in a shift in important games. He can lose his head, he can be petulant, but he can do things no one else can. He can win games from nothing.

If I were in the Spanish camp I'd have kept my powder dry on this ploy. This will pump Mario up, his pride will make sure of that.

This tournament will add years of maturity to Mario. He will return to Manchester as one of the hottest footballing talents in the world. Along with Joe Hart, Augero and Silva. Add Vinny to that list and we have s spectacular season to look forward to.

It's also worth adding that if Mario does well then Italy will do well, if Italy do well the Mancini for Italy band wagon will judder to a halt!