Mario Balotelli scored twice to seal Italy’s 2-1 semi-final win over Germany on Thursday to leave the Euro 2012 favorites ambitions in tatters while the Azzurri march on to the final.
Manchester City’s youngster broke German hearts with a first-half header and sublime strike as Joachim Loew’s inexperienced team, the youngest of the 16 at Euro 2012, failed to cope with Cesare Prandelli’s street-wise Italians.
A late penalty from Mesut Ozil proved no more than a consolation score for the Germans whose 16-year wait for a major title continues.
Italy are now into Sunday’s final in Kiev to face defending champions Spain with the Italians bidding to win their first European crown since 1968.
Germany 1-2 Italy Highlights
