Day 18

Germany 1-2 Italy

A Mario Balotelli-inspired Italy have stunned Germany to reach the Euro 2012 Final. The Germans remained the only nation still with a 100% record going into the match, however a sublime double from Balotelli sent the Italians into the Final against Spain.

Joachim Loew brought Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski and Toni Kroos back into the German starting line up. However it was the Italian boss Cesare Prandelli who proved the tactical mastermind, starting the unpredictable 21-year-old Balotelli over the experienced Antonio Di Natale, with the move paying huge dividends.

After Germany came out of the blocks firing, with Andrea Pirlo forced to clear Mats Hummels' effort of the line, the Italians soon got their passing game going.

Pirlo, along with his midfield partners Riccardo Montolivo and Daniele De Rossi,were dominating the centre of the park. Germany were being swept clear, and on 20 minutes Balotelli had given Italy the lead.

The goal was made by Antonio Cassano, who spun out of Hummels' challenge on his way to the byline. There, he stood up a lovely ball to Balotelli, who peeled off his marker and nodded home from close range.

Germany couldn't keep up with the work rate of the Italian midfield, and just minutes later they had a second.

Montolivo caught out the German defence with a lovely lofted pass, which Balotelli ran onto before lashing a vicious drive into the top corner. It was a magnificent finish, and he celebrated by ripping off his shirt and flexing his muscles, much like the Italian's would do for the remainder of the night.

Loew made attacking changes throughout the second half, with Miroslav Klose, Marco Reus and Thomas Muller all being introduced from the bench, however the stern Italian defence were holding on.

Italy even created the better chances in the second half, attacking furiously on the break, however they squandered many brilliant opportunities, allowing Germany a chance to find a way back into the match.

That came in stoppage time, when Federico Balzaretti handled inside the area and a penalty was awarded.

Mesut Ozil slotted the spot kick, ensuring a nervous final few minutes, however the Italians held on to book their spot in the Final.

The result shocked Loew's Germany, who had remained favourites to win the tournament throughout their campaign, yet the Italian victory meant the Euro 2012 Final would be contested by the last two World Cup Champions.