Italy will meet Spain in the final of Euro 2012 on Sunday after a Mario Balotelli first-half brace saw off the challenge of Germany in Warsaw this evening.
The 21-year-old Manchester City forward opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a bulleted header at the near-post following a clever dinked cross from Antonio Cassano.
Balotelli then doubled the lead 16 minutes later after collecting a superb 50-yard flighted through ball from Riccardo Montolivo and ferociously firing past Manuel Neuer from 18 yards.
Germany threw bodies forward after the break in a desperate attempt to find a way back into the game, however it was Cesare Prandelli's side who remained the more dangerous.
Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Di Natale both missed gilt-edged chances to add gloss to the scoreline, while Federico Balzaretti had a goal disallowed for offside.
Mesut Ozil pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in stoppage time after Balzaretti had handled inside the area. However Italy kept their composure and were deserved winners.
Robert Summerscales
