Italy will meet Spain in the Euro 2012 final after overcoming Germany 2-0 in Warsaw. The Azzurri enjoyed the better of the encounter against Joachim Löw’s men and made their dominance count courtesy of Mario Balotelli’s sharp finishing.
Cesare Prandelli elected to restore Chiellini to the fold after the defender missed Sunday’s quarter-final success over England through injury. He was joined in the starting line-up by five other Bianconeri: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Marchisio and Pirlo. Giaccherini and Giovinco were named amongst the substitutes.
The Azzurri got off to a confident start and edged themselves in front after twenty minutes. Pirlo’s sumptuous pass found Chiellini in space down the left-hand side. He then picked out Cassano’s overlapping run, with the striker cutting inside to feed Balotelli, who made no mistake with a powerful header past Neuer.
Despite looking comfortable when in possession, Prandelli’s men had to remain alert to Germany’s counter-attacking threat. Buffon was called into action ten minutes before the break when Khedira rifled in a dipping half-volley from outside the area, forcing the goalkeeper to dive to his right and parry the ball clear.
But Italy recovered and doubled their advantage sixty seconds later. Montolivo’s long ball from deep set Balotelli racing clear, and the striker shrugged off the attentions of Lahm to lash a thunderous strike into the top corner.
Germany rallied after the break but found Bonucci and Buffon impenetrable forces in the Azzurri rearguard. First, the defender executed a fine sliding tackle to prevent substitute Klose from pulling the trigger, then Buffon was at full stretch to tip Reus’ venomous free-kick over the bar.
Having weathered the storm, Italy then had chances to put the result beyond doubt. Marchisio broke into the area twice but shot wide on both occasions, while Buffon had to make several blocks down the other end as Germany threw bodies forward in their quest for a way back into the encounter.
Ozil’s late consolation from the spot failed to influence the outcome, with the full-time whistle confirming the Azzurri's third appearance in a European Championship final.
Source: Juventus.com
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