Mario Balotelli has fired Italy into the Euro 2012 final.

 

The Azzurri started impressively against Germany in Warsaw and a slick move saw the ball swung in for Balotelli, who peeled off his marker and powered a header past Manuel Neuer into the back of the net, after just 20 minutes.

 

Better was to come for Cesare Prandelli’s men though when Balotelli was played in on goal through a quick counter attack. The Manchester City striker found space and smashed the ball home, giving Neuer no chance.

 

And so, with 36 minutes gone, the Italians led 2-0, thanks to two pieces of deadly finishing from the former Inter striker.

 

Germany made changes at half time, bringing on Miroslav Klose and Marco Reus, and did show signs of life, pushing hard and coming close to grabbing a goal back.

 

But as the clock ticked by, the breakthrough did not come, or at least, not in time, with only a 90th minute penalty, scored by Mesut Ozil, giving the Germans some consolation.

 

But as the final whistle was blown it was Italy, having won 2-1, who go forward to meet Spain in Kyiv on Sunday.

 

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