THE BALOTALIAN CONNECTION: BRACE ENSURES THE AZZURI'S REMAIN THE GERMAN BOGEY TEAM.

A first half brace by Manchester City's Mario Balotelli was all the Azzuri's needed to beat Germany and progress to the final of the UEFA Euro 2012 competition on sunday where they would meet current holders Spain who they had earlier played out a 1-1 draw with in the group stage of this year's competition.

There could only ever be one Super Mario in this semi-final, and the fact it was Balotelli and not Gomez is probably the shock of the tournament. But what a thoroughly pleasant surprise it was to see the often troubled Balotelli finally realising his considerable potential on the international stage.



Man Of The Moment: Super Mario Balotelli Posing After Blasting Home The Second Goal For The Azzuri's.

It was a brave performance by the Germans who lacked the cutting edge to break down the Italian defence marshalled by veteran Chiellini, who alongside De Rossi managed to frustrate the German midfield from getting any through ball to Mario Gomez in the 18yard box, so, it was hardly any surprise that all their efforts were tailored to long range efforts which Gianluigi Buffon managed to handle effectively.

Although the Germans did manage to get a goal from a Mezut Ozil penalty kick in added time to ensure a nervy finish to the game, the Italians held on firm to post a famous victory thus stretching the Italian domination over the Germans in major international competitions further. You may recall that it is now 17 years since the Germans last defeated the Italians in a major international competition.

German Keeper Manuel Neuer Rooted To The Spot As Super Mario Fires Home His Second Of The Game.

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio: "We showed we're on Spain's level and that's where we started this run.
"It's no longer a question of fear. Now we've got to pull out everything we still have inside ourselves."

With the win tonight, the Azzuri's have a date with the La Furia Roja's on sunday for the 2012 Euro cup crown. The last time the two sides met was in San Nicola, Italy in August 2011 in a friendly match where the Azzuri's ran away with a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Riccardo Montolivo and Alberto Aquilani. This time it is different as both sides have all to play for come July 1st 2012. It sure promises to be a cracker!