Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes that profligacy in front of goal cost his team victory in their Group C clash with Croatia.
A 1-1 draw in Poznan means that the Azzurri now need to beat the Republic of Ireland in their final group game to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of Euro 2012.
"You need to be more clinical in front of goal, show more determination when you get in their half and get near their goal," said Prandelli. "If you can't win the game, you don't kill it off then you are going to have regrets."
Prandelli has revealed his concern at the fitness levels of his players and feels that they start to tire after the hour mark.
"There is a drop in our level at the 60th minute," added the 54-year-old. "In terms of the two games, at that stage of the game we lack fresh legs. We need to rest up after this, we need to see how we manage our energy levels."
The former Fiorentina manager still believes that Italy can reach the quarter-finals, despite drawing both of their games so far.
"We're still convinced we can get through," said Prandelli. "Mathematically we are not out of it. We need to play well, but we have wasted an opportunity here."
Prandelli took control of the national team in 2010.
Michael Penkman
