Italy has extended their remarkable stranglehold on Germany when two superb first-half goals by Mario Balotelli gave them a 2-1 win in an excellent Euro 2012 semi-final, and a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
Balotelli connected with a curling Antonio Cassano cross to head the opener after 20 minutes. He then ran on to a long Riccardo Montolivo pass before lashing in an unstoppable second after 36 as the Italians took full advantage of some loose defending.
Three time champions Germany, who hadn’t beaten Italy in their seven previous major tournaments, rallied late in the game. Mesut Ozil converted a penalty in added time after Federico Balzaretti had handled in the area, but it came too late.