Italy 2-1 Germany: How it happened

Against all the odds Italy reached the final of Euro 2012 following a 2-1 win over pre-tournament favourites Germany in the semi-finals.

Temperamental striker Mario Balotelli became the hero of the night for the Azzurri after the Man City frontman struck twice in the first half stunning Joachim Loew’s men.

Against the run of play the 21-year-old headed home the opener in Warsaw on 20 minutes when he connected with Antonio Cassano’s fine cross in.

The Man City striker flexed his scoring muscles again 16 minutes later.

Balotelli peeled away from his marker, Philipp Lahm, to latch onto a Riccardo Montolivo through ball and blast it past a stranded Manuel Neuer and high into the net sparking wild celebrations amongst the Italian players and supporters.

Mezut Ozil scored a penalty for Germany in stoppage time but Balotellis’ damage had already been done as Italy, who are seeking a second European title after their 1968 triumph on home soil, booked their ticket for Sunday’s final in Kiev against holders Spain.

A rematch of a 1-1 draw in the pair’s first group game.

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