MX23RW : Wednesday, January 8 10:24:27| >> :60:191:191:

Diego Maradona: Italy eager for Mario Balotelli impact

Maradona: 'Italy want Balotelli to explode'
© PA Photos
Diego Maradona believes that Italy will want Mario Balotelli to "explode" in front of goal against the Germans in the Euro 2012 semi-final tonight.

Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes that Mario Balotelli could be the key for Italy when they take on Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-final this evening.

The two nations go head to head for a place in the final of the elite tournament and Maradona believes that the Azzurri will be urging the Manchester City striker to come good.

"The Italian forwards Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano have scored only one goal each in this championship," Maradona wrote in the Indian Times.

"Against England, the forwards had eight chances, two posts and zero goals. This, despite excellent opportunities that came their way. The Italians will try to achieve control, defend with order, and hope that Balotelli can finally explode."

The winners of the highly anticipated clash will meet Spain in the final following their 4-2 win on penalties over Portugal last night.

ID:32482: cacheID:32482:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1820:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Daniele De Rossi
Read Next:
De Rossi denies Balotelli bust-up
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!