Mario Balotelli sends Italy into Euro final

Italians striker scores 2 first-half goals

Mario Balotelli takes control of Euro 2012 with the explosion of a powerful and serious flex.

 

 Italian forward Mario Balotelli celebrates his second goal against Germany by taking off his shirt during Thursday’s semifinal match of the European championship in Warsaw

 Before Euro 2012, the Italian striker Mario Balotelli warned that if racial slurs, walked off the court and go home. But after having racially charged bile thrown at him from opposing fans and even subsequent periodic artists in their country of origin, Balotelli decided that instead of leaving, he would stay and score goals and flexing his muscles. And in the semifinal of Italy against Germany the favorite, that's exactly what he did.

After squandering many chances at the start of the tournament and scored one of his best goals against Ireland, 21 years old, trust and confidence in himself has maintained its strength. He missed shot after shot in the quarterfinals of Italy against England, but still offered to take the first penalty in the shoot of Italy, went on to win to put them in the semifinal. And despite previous fireworks accidents at home and a series of strange myths around that have attracted the scrutiny overwhelming for Mario, who has been very focused on his task.

Balotelli usually does not even smile, much less celebrate when he scores because, as he says, is his job to score goals and that's all you're doing. However, when he scored with a header to give Italy a 1-0 lead on 20 minutes against Germany, he smiled and celebrated. And when they scored again 16 minutes later with a powerful explosion at the corner of the net, took off his shirt and flex - still as a statue with a fierce look that told his detractors and abusers to recede .

Although Balotelli was shown a yellow card for removing his shirt and had to be subbed on 70 minutes after cramping, his two goals were enough to make him the top scorer in the tournament together and put Italy in the final with a 2 - 1 win. Mario Balotelli is the use of their talents and take control. 

 

 

 Main argument

You never know what you will get from the Italian striker Mario Balotelli. You can display the power, speed and athleticism that has made him one of the best young players in the world, or will you let emotions affect your game to the point where it is ineffective.

Fortunately for the Italians, Balotelli was the first against Germany. The 21-year-old finished with a fantastic pair of goals in the first half, leaving the Germans with a deficit that could not overcome.

Italy continues to haunt Germany, now 0-4-4 against his rival in major international events, including the heartbreaking semifinal match in their homeland in the 2006 World Cup.

Like its World Cup title six years ago, the Italians are thriving despite a match-fixing and betting scandal at home back.

The loss was especially difficult, as it appeared Germany was the best team on paper, who was younger, faster and deeper.

But all those attributes fly out the window every time that Germany is facing the Italians - they always do.

After an initial charge of Germany, Italy surprised the enemy with the first goal on 20 minutes. Antonio Cassano was able to break free from Benedikt Howedes on the left flank, sending a perfect cross to Balotelli, who headed the ball past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Several minutes before the finish of midfielder Andrea Pirlo Balotelli rescued Italy with a German corner blocked a shot by defender Mats Hummels' for the goal line that bounced back to the goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Balotelli struck again on 36 minutes. The enigmatic forward was alone behind German defender Philipp Lahm, took a pass long pass from Riccardo Montolivo, and shot a helpless Neuer.

With emotions by filling Balotelli, celebrated by taking off his shirt to reveal a sculpted torso. While the gesture earned him a yellow card, goal broke the German decision.

In general, the Germans had several opportunities during the game. The difference was Italy buried their opportunities.

As expected, Germany began the second half on the attack. He came at 62 minutes to reduce the deficit in half, but Buffon denied jumping save free kick from Toni Kroos.

Germany finally got a goal in overtime as the midfielder Mesut Ozil scored on a penalty kick after Italian defender Federico Balzaretti was called for a handball.

In the end, the Germans could never apply the skill that has made them so formidable during the last four years.

It always seems to be the case against Italy.
What this result means

In a rematch of the group stage, Italy went on to face the defending Spanish champion of Europe in Sunday's final. Italy is looking to win their first European title since 1968.

The winning goal

Balotelli has done a great job in getting the defense right Holger Badstuber before converting his header behind Neuer.

Man of the Match

This magic show has obviously heightened state of Balotelli on the international stage. His three goals have tied with four other players for the tournament lead. However, Balotelli is still the only player still playing in the group.

 

Super Mario! Brilliant Balotelli brushes aside to book final date brought 2 goals with Spain

A last-gasp Ozil penalty was too little too late as the favourites crash out but it had not brought any positive result.





Super Mario 2 Euro 2012! Brilliant German Balotelli brushes aside to book final date with Spain

Özil a penalty in the last minute was too little too late as the favorites to crash
Showman: Mario, just wants to show after his brace ... Showman: Mario, just wants to show after his brace ...
Reuters

Another Italian masterclass, orchestrated by Andrea Pirlo, this time as a cutting edge of Mario Balotelli.

Super Mario could have insisted that there was no need to celebrate his goals, like hitting a postman does not hold a letter through a door.

Check out the 40 best photos of the game here

But even the Manchester City star found something to smile about last night, to strip from the waist and posing like a Chippendale, the first-class service delivery from Italy to a clash of Euro 2012 with Spain in Kiev.
 

Balotelli has had a lot of crazy moments, fireworks, illegal pizzas, red cards and leggings with peers and Roberto Mancini.

However, the joy as he embraced and kissed her foster mother Sylvia at the National Stadium was absolutely genuine, happy, nice to see.

And as German hoodoo at the ends of the Azzurri spread, now eight games without a win in a tournament against a team that Die Mannschaft even fear, Roy Hodgson, soon began to look a little nicer.

Not that anyone in the FA to suggest that asphyxia of 11 defensive players is the future of England.

However, the argument that Germany, all the power, aggression, pace and penetration, are shown Hodgson's men for unwanted unlikely depth of his guests at the top table of world football undermined somewhat.
 

  Like England, the Germans, despite having two extra days to prepare, Pirlo could not approach this tournament is fast becoming a monument to his brilliance glowing, ageless.

And where desire, determination and the reliability of John Terry, Joleon Lescott and Joe Hart kept at bay Balotelli in Kiev on Sunday, Germany last night, strong football machine, had no answer for man city there is no way to cope or suffocate Italy pure cunning and intelligence.

It was a remarkable night, the more difficult to reach an agreement with the after Germany had send the opening spell, the clearance of the goal line to deny Pirlo Hammels Mats. Gigi Buffon clawing away from Tony Kroos.

However, Kroos, brought his first game, could not get close enough to Pirlo as the veteran took over.

Manuel Neuer saved well by Riccardo Montolivo and the excellent Antonio Cassano before Balotelli hit.

Pirlo choice left-back Giorgio Chiellini, killed stone dead Cassano Hummels with a twist and the cross and Balotelli had above Holger Badstuber to sleep at his home GP, posing for the cameras.

That was just the warm-up act. Nine minutes before the break, Balotelli was the hole between Badstuber and Philipp Lahm as Montolivo picked up the ball in his field, he took the step of the way and attacked the chain beyond Neuer.

 

This time we have the Full Monty, shirt, book one, the Italian is not inside the National Stadium of care.
Joachim Loew, acted, sending Miroslav Klose and Marco Reus, from Mesut Ozil in the interior, but also there were times, Lahm Directing the best of them over the bar, Italy were now so committed to the defense, personified as Leonardo Bonucci Klose extinguished career in the danger zone and then cynically mowed down Kroos.

Buffon, as impressive and mature Reus pulled free throw in the bar, but with Alessandro Diamanti for Cassano, Italy could have ended at the counter, Claudio Marchisio, twice, and substitute Antonio Di Natale, the Balotelli, wasting opportunities.

Right to death, Özil slotted home from the spot after Federico Balzaretti claimed to have managed.

Too late, Italian uncanny ability to find inspiration from the scandal in full screen.

Super Mario. Now, can you do on Sunday?
 
  

Player ratings & Formation:

Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer 6; Boateng 5 (Mueller, 71, 6), Hummels 5, Badstuber 5, Lahm 5; Khedira 7, Schweinsteiger 6; Ozil 6, Kroos 5, Podolski 5 (Reus, 46, 6); Gomez 4 (Klose, 46, 6)
Italy (4-1-2-1-2): Buffon 7; Balzaretti 7, Barzagli 6, Bonucci 6, Chiellini 7; Pirlo 7; Marchisio 7, De Rossi 6: Montolivo 7 (Thiago Motta, 63, 6); Cassano 8 (Diamanti, 60, 7), Balotelli 9 (Di Natale, 70, 6)
 

Balotelli sends Italy away Germany

Germany 1-2 Italy
Mario Balotelli scored two goals as Italy proved once more the enemy of Germany, part of the celebration of Cesare Prandelli, the Warsaw to set up a final against Spain.





Italy once again proved to be an enemy of Germany after Mario Balotelli scored twice in the first half to establish a final of the UEFA EURO 2012 against Spain on Sunday.

Joachim Löw Team came in the semifinal full of confidence having swept all before it in Poland and Ukraine, but maybe longer in the back of their minds the fact that Germany had never beaten the Italians in seven meetings competition. That number is now eight, after Italy was a wonderful performance measured with Balotelli in his heart.

Cesare Prandelli Side neutralized dynamic approach in Germany and in No9 found its clinical form. The striker led his team in front midway through the opening period and doubled the advantage nine minutes before the break. Germany threw all his opponents after the break, but his breakthrough came too late, Mesut Ozil convert a stoppage time penalty gave only fleeting hope.

Prandelli has described his side as a work in progress, but after surviving a nervous opening, they were soon the appearance of the finished work. In the early stages, only the torso left Andrea Pirlo Mats Hummels giving Germany the lead, then watched helplessly as Andrea Barzagli Gianluigi Buffon stop touching him and bounced off the post. Italy, soon found its way, however.

The busy Riccardo Montolivo forced Manuel Neuer to stretch before Antonio Cassano was the goalkeeper in the other direction. Ozil and Toni Kroos in their opening match, Buffon tried again, but the Italians were looking the more dangerous side. In minute 20, made it count. Pirlo, always the instigator, opened the ball to left-back Giorgio Chiellini who fed Cassano. The number 10 Hummels deceived and delivered a cross of invitation. With the door was open only Balotelli need to put your head in it, and that shone past Neuer. Italy was the first European Championship semi-final goal in his fourth appearance.

Germany responded as expected for a team that had won a world record of 15 consecutive competitive matches. Özil did the work of Buffon, and Federico Balzaretti just cleaned dangerous cross from Jerome Boateng. Prandelli has urged his team to resist sitting on the lead throughout the tournament and the second was due - even though it was a classic counterattack Azzurri.

Buffon had done a shot of Sami Khedira flight, and hit away from the resulting corner, which collected Montolivo. The new AC Milan contract Balotelli looked away, his ball at the top to avoid Philipp Lahm and striker ran out of rifle shot in the corner for a finish almost as strong as the first.

Loew had shown in his starting XI was not afraid to play with his staff and made changes at halftime, Marco Reus and Miroslav Klose will begin. The first intervention of Reus, was an effort on target and then Lahm could only lift the ball over when well placed. Özil reached the bottom line, but Khedira got in trouble.

Hand of Buffon, just enough to send a free kick from Reus to the bar and away to safety, however, Balotelli was still a threat at the other end, and Claudio Marchisio almost made it three on two occasions. As German belief escaped, Antonio Di Natale had an earned run in the only goal to fire wide.

Balzaretti handled in their own area with time running out and Ozil beat Buffon, but simply provides vain hope. Low side could have been great hosts of the tournament, but it is Italy, which are in the final on Sunday after being once again the German team bogey.

Italy goes to way Euro 2012 final

WARSAW, Poland - Mario Balotelli, finally showed some quality finish, scoring twice on Thursday to give Italy a 2-1 win over Germany and an unexpected place in the European Championship final.
 

 To extend their winless streak against Italy in major tournaments of eight games, Germany had no answer for Balotelli and creativity of Antonio Cassano.

In minute 20, Balotelli had no trouble getting past Holger Badstuber in the head in a cross from Cassano. Then, at 36, striker 21 years of age, received the ball behind the defense and fired a long shot in the upper right corner.

While he scored against Ireland, Balotelli was criticized for wasting several chances against Spain, Croatia and England.

Germany did not bother to Italy for much of the game, but Mesut Ozil scored on a penalty kick in stoppage time after Federico Balzaretti was whistled for a handball.

Italy will face defending champion Spain in Sunday's final in Kiev, Ukraine - a rematch of their opening 1-1 draw in Group C.

While Italy has won four World Cups, European Championships only came in 1968. Like when they won in 1982 and 2006 World Cups, the Italians have managed to maintain their focus despite a match-fixing and betting scandal at home.

In a pleasant evening at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Cassano created the first goal of Germany, confusing defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng to lift the ball towards Balotelli.

The second goal started with a long pass vertical Riccardo Montolivo, whose mother is German. Balotelli picked up the pass with his back to goal, controlled the ball with his chest and then ran forward and shot in flames from the edge of the area as German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer again stood still.

Balotelli took off his shirt after his second goal, which drew an automatic yellow card, although you will not miss the final.

Even before dialing, Italy controlled the pace of the game, although Germany had several opportunities to Hummels, Toni Kroos and Özil.

In 35, the Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon kept the Azzurri the lead by swatting away a long shot of Sami Khedira - and Balotelli doubled the lead a minute later.

To start the second half, the German coach Joachim Loew brought on Miroslav Klose with Mario Gomez in the center of interest and replaced with Marco Reus Lukas Podolski on the wing.

In Germany there is a bit more organized, Captain Philipp Lahm had a great look at the goal on the road, but the 49th shot over the bar.

Buffon made another stunning save on 62, jumping to push a free kick from outside the bar Reus.

While Italy is largely sat back and protected its lead in the second half, the Italians were some dangerous counterattacks. Claudio Marchisio shot just wide at 67 and 75 and substitute Antonio Di Natale missed another chance in 82.

Di Natale came in 70 after Balotelli went down with a cramp in his left leg.

Dressed in white, German fans far outnumber Italian fans, revealing a huge banner before the game that featured a giant "G" for Germany. However, most of the stadium was full of Polish fans who supported Italy.

They had much to celebrate.

Italy's unbelievable win over Germany

Mario Balotelli can always count on him to put on a show. The question has always been: Would it help or hurt the team? In the Euro 2012 semi-final on Thursday against Germany, which was certainly the first, scoring two goals in the first half to give the Italians a 2-1 victory and with it a place in Sunday's final against Spain.




It was a fully deserved victory to Italy, however, which was also unexpected, even when the quality of the staff of the Azzurri ignored. Germany came into the match as favorites considerable, had two days off over the Italians and seems to work at top form. But along the way, there have been some warning signs, namely, a weakness along the defensive line was punished mercilessly by Balotelli. He nodded, crossed the home of Antonio Cassano on 20 minutes, then finished with a lightning fast counter-attack with a thunderous end nine minutes before the break.

Mesut Ozil from Germany sent Italian nerves jangling when converting a penalty two minutes into injury time, but the Italians saw the rest of the game, setting up a rematch with Spain, who drew 1-1 in the group stage.

At the moment, Italy is left to celebrate a victory rewarding - and not just heroics Balotelli. Cassano did a lot to alter the momentum of the game early, because without resolving the German defense with his movement. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon overcame some shakiness early to offer several key saves, and the bottom line was solid overall. In midfield, Andrea Pirlo was the same usual strong, while Daniele De Rossi recovered from an illness go back to 90 minutes.

And with the victory, Italy continued their jinx in Germany in the big tournaments. The Azzurri now have a 4-0-4 record against the Die Mannschaft in major tournaments, adding to his win in the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup.

After some lineup changes for the springing unexpected quarter-final victory against Greece, Germany, Joachim Low restored Lukas Podolski and Mario Gomez midfielder striker to the starting lineup in place of Andre Schürrle and Miroslav Klose. Under instituted a minor adjustment, however, that Toni Kroos a chance to play in place of Marco Reus, with Bayern Munich man moving toward the center and push Mesut Ozil across the width of the right.

As for Italy, Cesare Prandelli manager made only one change, replacing injured back Ignazio Abate with Giorgio Chiellini, who took the place of left-sided exchange with Federico Balzaretti to play on the right.

As has been his custom throughout the tournament, Germany started on the front foot and almost scored in the fifth minute when Mats Hummels Özil corner redirected through the legs of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, but Pirlo was there to gently clean in the arms of her caregiver. Buffon then suffered another unstable moment only a few minutes later, fumbling a pass from Jerome Boateng, but Andrea Barzagli was asked to delete.

Germany remained the owner of most of the ball, linking well with Özil Kroos. Kroos test results of Buffon on 13 minutes, stinging the palms of the hands of the goalkeeper of Italy.

But after absorbing the pressure in the early going, the trio of Italian attack Balotelli, Cassano and Riccardo Montolivo began to find each other. Cassano scored the change in momentum with a shot that was saved by curly Manuel Neuer after 17 minutes, and the Italians broke into the top three minutes later. Cassano did well to escape the attention of Hummels in the left wing and his cross was nodded home by Balotelli, who rose above Holger Badstuber marker.

Germany tried to strike back, continually testing Chiellini on the left side Italian, and while Boateng broke with a dangerous cross on 33 minutes, the Italian defense held firm.

Italy is much safer to attack, however, and Montolivo really should have done better with a glorious opportunity a minute later. However, after being clean through Cassano, who hesitated on the ball instead of shooting, and Badstuber recovered to tackle the ball away.

It mattered little, as Italy won a second on 36 minutes a classic counterattack. A corner of Germany was authorized by Buffon at the foot of Montolivo and his defense splitting pass found Balotelli acres of space. German defender Philipp Lahm tried to regain ground, but Balotelli galloped forward and hit an absolute laser on the top to make the score 2-0.

In an attempt to carry his team back into the match under Reus and Klose brought on at half time instead of Podolski and Gomez, respectively. And the switch almost paid immediate dividends, with Reus and released in only 47 minutes to polish his shot straight into the arms of Buffon grateful.

Germany continued to pile on the pressure, shooting just wide after a layoff Lahm spot Kroos. Balotelli stem the tide a bit in the 60th minute, firing wide on the right Neuer, after creating a space for himself. Reus then almost scored from a free kick two minutes later, but Buffon was in charge of the palm of your effort over the bar with both hands.

In an effort to stem the tide, Prandelli brought some fresh legs in the form of Alessandro Diamanti and Thiago Motta. Germany still has more of the possession, but the possibilities in front of goal was dried, and was Italy, which really should have put the first leg, as Claudio Marchisio squandered two great chances. Later, the replacement for Antonio Di Natale could only hit the side netting after being put through a clean break.

Germany finally broke through in stoppage time as Balzaretti was whistled for handball as he fought with Klose. Ozil easily dispatched the spot kick to put Germany within one, but it was not enough. Although Germany, throwing everything - including Neuer - forward, Italy won, and now goes to the final.

Man of the Match: Mario Balotelli

When people look back at the career of Balotelli, this could be the game that people remember as one in which they actually announced on the world stage. Prandelli also deserves credit here for his careful management of Manchester City striker. The manager of Italy, has pushed all the right buttons and has gotten the best of his young striker. But also give credit to Balotelli. He has largely kept his emotions under control, and this game was the reward.

Verdict for Italy:

Again, Prandelli did everything right, from preparation to his tactics, his choice of personnel. Not even another set of lesions induced by the defensive line was enough to unsettle the side, as Balzaretti - his last years despite handball - put on an excellent performance as well as he played out of position at right back. As a result, the Italians are fully deserving of its place in the final. Can prevent the march from Italy, from Spain to a third consecutive major tournament? The two teams drew 1-1 in the group stage, and Balotelli in good shape, there is every reason to think they can prevail.

Verdict for Germany:

Hard as it may seem, the Euro 2012 will be remembered as another failure for this generation of players, as well as down. It is true that Germany has reached the semifinals in four consecutive majors, a feat that most countries would give anything for. However, Die Mannschaft standards have always been higher, and for the first time in his term, some hard questions are asked for the floor. That is, he made his touches in the second round destabilize the team? Maybe, but for all his talent, it was a team that had its share of problems for the tournament, ie, a defense of something fragile and vulnerable in the transition. The pipeline of young German players bodes well for the team's competitiveness in the future. You already have the mindset to make a long-awaited breakthrough is another issue altogether.

Result of Euro 2012 semi-final: Germany 1-2 Italy

A key to Mario Balotelli has led to Italy's Euro 2012 final after a 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday.




A Mario Balotelli brace has guided Italy into the Euro 2012 final after a 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday
 
Cesare Prandelli men will face Spain in Sunday's decider after surprisingly comfortable victory against one of the pre-tournament favorites in the semifinal.

Mesut Ozil Germany pulled a goal in the second half injury time, but Italy survived the final onslaught.

Italy is inspired by Manchester City star Balotelli, who scored two goals in the first half to take account for the tournament to three goals.

He opened the scoring on 20 minutes, escaping his marker before nodding a cross from Antonio Cassano past Manuel Neuer.

Balotelli doubled the advantage of your computer dramatically nine minutes before the break.

A long pass from Riccardo Montolivo found Balotelli in acres of space, and the explosion clear 21 years of age before firing a single shot to the top from the edge of the area.

Germany increased the pressure in the second half and were rewarded in the second minute of added time, when they conceded a penalty for a hand of Federico Balzaretti.

Ozil came to convert, but Italy held on to reach their first European final of the Championship since 2000.

They will be the subject of his first European title since 1968, when they face Spain in Kiev on Sunday.

Balotelli shows Italy defeat Germany again

Mario Balotelli, wrote another chapter in his incredible career, and he fired to Italy in the final of the UEFA EURO 2012 with a burst of two goals against Germany in Warsaw, winning the match 2-1. The man from Manchester City climbed to 20 minutes of power at home of Antonio Cassano cross to put the bottom on the front.

 

 Then crashed unstoppable shot past Manuel Neuer, double the lead of Italy and the joint-top of the table Golden Boot Last time Mesut Ozil penalty was not enough to prevent Germany suffered its first loss in a competitive game since their 2010 FIFA World Cup ™ semi-final loss to Spain two years ago.

In fact it was his third semifinal of the loss in his last four tournaments, one of which, in the 2006 FIFA World Cup was against tonight's opponents, who are never lost to Germany in a competitive match, and now face Spain in Kiev on Sunday.

Pirlo poetry
Germany had started the match as favorites, especially thanks to his world record run of 15 straight wins. After seeing how difficult it had found England to submit to Andrea Pirlo, the plan being to do with it much better.

By contrast, was worse. Sitting deep in the midfield line, Pirlo Germany allowed the time to pick back defender Giorgio Chiellini, with a brilliant pass to the sideline. From there, everything went downhill quickly for Joachim Low's team.

Chiellini nudged the ball to Cassano, who turned Mats Hummels past with minimal effort. Balotelli immediately got himself some space behind Holger Badstuber and when the cross came to power the ball from six yards.

If that was efficient in its execution, second Balotelli was brutal. Moving from inside his own half, Riccardo Montolivo could hardly believe the room I was given. Twice he looked up to see if anything was on.

Balotelli bags of doublet
On the second occasion saw Balotelli making his career, building on Philipp Lahm failed to maintain the offside line. Balotelli took some time to get into a firing position. However, as the ball sat up nicely, which crashed the past Manuel Neuer.

Germany goalkeeper had set a stop. In the end, there was nothing I could do, but stands a weak hand and fall to the ground, helpless to prevent his goal of being raped a second time. Balotelli was booked for removing his shirt while trying to celebrate with a grumpy attitude.

I could not keep up and even broke into a grin when he was engulfed by ecstatic teammates. It was a performance that put the efforts of English - and Ireland is for that matter - in a kind of perspective.

Germany, although a shade of normal. Twice in the early stages Gianluigi Buffon had lost the ball near his own line, but could not take advantage. Sami Khedira did launch a volley towards goal among key Balotelli, but this time, Buffon was able to make the save.

Lower left wanting
Under took decisive action in the interval, the introduction of Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez Reus Framework and Lukas Podolski, whose contribution can not be hesitant to have impressed watching Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. The change brought some much needed life into the German ranks.

However, their efforts to transport themselves back in the competition were thwarted repeatedly. Lahm could not hit the target after running Toni Kroos' return pass before Buffon pushed Reus free kick against his own bar and to safety. A disappointing Ozil went to the bottom line, but with very little space, Khedira needed to react much faster than he did to the near post-cut-back.

Balotelli Out with cramps meant that he was denied the opportunity to become the first player to score a point and final hat-trick from Gerd Müller did in 1976. His replacement, Antonio Di Natale, who have wrapped up victory when he found himself in acres of space inside the box but dragged his effort all the bat, much to the frustration Balotelli.

Federico Balzaretti handball in the final minute brought some nerves for Italy and Ozil fired home from the place. But Prandelli men were able to reach the end of the game and celebrate their triumph.