Mario Balotelli: 'Italy win was best night of my career'

Italy striker Mario Balotelli has described this evening's 2-1 Euro 2012 semi-final win over Germany as the best night of his career.

The Manchester City star scored twice as the Azzurri booked their places in the final, where they will face champions Spain.

"This was the best night of my career, but I hope that Sunday's will be even better," he told Rai Sport. "I dedicated the goals to my mother, she is old and was at the stadium tonight.

"I am very happy because I wanted to score for her. On Sunday, my father will be here, too, so I would like to score."

Italy drew 1-1 with Spain during the group stage of the tournament, and Balotelli is adamant that his team learned their lessons from the encounter.

"We do not have to be scared of Spain," he added. "We know how they play. We know we can beat them.

"We will have to be patient and wait for them, because they do a lot of passes, but we know we can win."

Italy take on Spain in the Euro 2012 final on Sunday.