Mario Balotelli grew up on Thursday and showed exactly why he is considered one of Europe's most promising young strikers. In the news usually for all the wrong reasons, the 21-year-old brought a touch of class to Italy's semi-final against Germany, scoring two goals in his side's 2-1 win in Warsaw.
The Manchester City striker struck a double in the space of 16 minutes, one a powerful header and the other an even more powerful right-footed strike to set Italy a date with Spain in the finals on Sunday, and send a stunned Germany back home.
Mesut Ozil pulled one back through a penalty in second half stoppage time, but it was too little too late for the Germans, who came into the semis as overwhelming favorites. Germany have now lost three semi-finals in the last four major tournaments, including a reverse against Italy in the 2006 World Cup in the same stage. Italy, who have never lost a competitive game to Germany, will take heart from this victory; after they went on to win the 2006 World Cup.
That tag of favorites looked justified with the start Joachim Low's side produced. The German flair and fast-paced soccer were all in evidence in the opening few minutes, with Mats Hummels coming closest. However, the defender's plod off a corner was partially stopped by Gianluigi Buffon and then stopped on the line by Andrea Pirlo, whose night of dominance was just beginning.
Pirlo was the most dangerous man on the pitch yet again, as Germany allowed him too much time to pick out his passes and start Italy's attacks time after time. It was the 32-year-old veteran who started Italy's goal. He passed the ball on the left touchline to Giorgio Chiellini, who then gave it to Antonio Cassano. The former Real Madrid forward easily got past the challenge of Hummels, who tried to steal the ball away from Cassano, allowing the striker to swivel and put in a wonderful cross, which was well headed by Balotelli from six yards out in the 20th minute.
Germany, after going a goal down, strangely seemed to panic and went in search for the equaliser a little too robustly; that left gaps at the back, playing right into the hands of the Italians.
Ricardo Montolivo, also given too much time on the ball, looked up and saw Balotelli making a run in behind the defenders, who were holding a high line. A perfect pass followed, and after being played onside by Germany captain Philipp Lahm, Balotelli found himself with just the goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to beat.
In such situations, in the previous few games, the striker had hesitated too long to allow the defenders to come back and make a challenge. There were no such problems on Thursday, however. Balotelli sized up the situation wonderfully and launched a powerful, unstoppable drive into the top corner, with Neuer barely having a chance to move.
Low brought on Marco Reus and Miroslav Klose for Lukas Podolski and Mario Gomez respectively, at the start of the second half, but Germany found it hard to break down the excellent Italian defense.
Philipp Lahm had the best chance five minutes into the second half, but saw his shot go high from 16 yards, after being set up by Toni Kroos.
Balotelli lost the chance to complete his hat-trick, taken off after suffering cramp. Claudio Marchiso had two golden opportunities to add the icing on the cake, but sent both his shots wide.
Balotelli's replacement Antonio di Natale, who scored the first goal of Italy's tournament against Spain, should have made it 3-0. The Udinese forward found himself in acres of space, but shot wide of the target with only Neuer to beat.
Germany were given a glimmer of a chance when Federico Balzaretti handled inside the box. The ensuing penalty was duly dispatched by Ozil.
Italy then endured a few nervous moments with goalkeeper Neuer camped in Germany's half for the final moments, but Italy held on and will face Spain for the title on Sunday in Kiev.
