Italy have made the Euro 2012 final after beating Germany 2-1 in the semi-finals on Thursday night.

Joachim Low's men went into the game as favourites after winning all four of their matches in the competition to date, but the Azzurri put on an accomplished and composed performance to make the next stage.

Mario Balotelli was Italy's hero, scoring two well-taken goals in the first-half to put Cesare Prandelli's men into a commanding position at half-time.

Although Germany pulled one back as Mesut Ozil converted from the penalty spot in injury-time, it was too little too late and Italy will now face Spain in the competition final on Sunday.

Prandelli has heralded his team's performance after the game, and stated that his men could have won the game by more than one goal.

"We have had a sensational match," he told Rai TV, translated to English by Sky Sports.

"It's a shame because we failed to score a third goal on two occasions in the second half.

"Balotelli was excellent, just like the entire team were.

"I really believe that a player needs to have an idea of the way his team plays and he really subscribed to this playing style. He was high up the pitch and available and I think he put in a very good performance this evening," the coach concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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