Germany 1-2 Italy

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 28 June 2012

A first-half brace from Mario Balotelli sends Italy through to the final of Euro 2012 at the expense of Germany.

Italy will meet Spain in the final of Euro 2012 on Sunday after a Mario Balotelli first-half brace saw off the challenge of Germany in Warsaw this evening.

The 21-year-old Manchester City forward opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a bulleted header at the near-post following a clever dinked cross from Antonio Cassano.

Balotelli then doubled the lead 16 minutes later after collecting a superb 50-yard flighted through ball from Riccardo Montolivo and ferociously firing past Manuel Neuer from 18 yards.

Germany threw bodies forward after the break in a desperate attempt to find a way back into the game, however it was Cesare Prandelli's side who remained the more dangerous.

Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Di Natale both missed gilt-edged chances to add gloss to the scoreline, while Federico Balzaretti had a goal disallowed for offside.

Mesut Ozil pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in stoppage time after Balzaretti had handled inside the area. However Italy kept their composure and were deserved winners.