Germany 1-2 Italy

Italy reached the Final of Euro 2012 after a 2-1 victory over Germany, last night.

"Super" Mario Balotelli was the Italian hero after he grabbed a first half brace to put the Italians 2-0 up. Mezut Ozil scored a stoppage time penalty for Germany but it was too little, too late for Joachim Low's men.

Italy were deserving winners and could have won by more, if they had taken their chances when Germany were pushing extra men forward.

The Italians started the game well and it wasn't long before Mario Balotelli gave them the lead with a close range header. The Germans looked shell shocked and they soon found themselves 2-0 down. Mario Balotelli blasted the ball into the top corner when one on one with German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer.

Germany began taking the game to Italy and for long periods they were camped inside the Italian half but they could not break down the strong Italian defence. As the game wore on, Italy were looking dangerous on the counter attack and could have got the third goal to seal the victory. As it was, they were wasteful with their chances and could not add to Balotelli's two goals.

In injury time, Germany were presented with a lifeline when they got a penalty kick. Mezut Ozil scored but they were unable to create any more chances and it was Italy who reached Sunday's Final against Spain.

The Final will be a repeat of the opening game in Group C. On that occasion the game finished 1-1 with Italy going ahead through Antonio Di Natale, before Cesc Fabregas levelled for Spain. It was quite a tactical battle as Italy lined up with 3 at the back and had Daniele De Rossi playing in a Libero role. Spain had caused controversy by lining up with no recognised strikers.

Both coaches have changed their systems since then. Italy have been playing a 4-4-2 diamond with Andrea Pirlo conducting play from the deep lying midfield role. Spain have gone back and forth between playing a recognised striker and not. Fernando Torres has started twice and Alvaro Negredo started in the Semi-Final. In the other two games, Spain have lined up with Cesc Fabregas in a false number 9 role.

I expect we will hear a lot about formations, tactics and systems in the days running up to the Final. In my own opinion Italy have looked better since changing to the 4-4-2 diamond and Spain have looked better with a recognised striker but I expect both sides will try to counter the other and go back to the way they played in the opening game.

The Final will be another tough battle and it is almost impossible to call. Spain haven’t looked great in this tournament but they have still got to the Final. Their status as reigning World and European Champions shows what they are capable of and if they play well on the night they will be hard to beat. Italy didn’t start very well but have been getting better as the tournament goes on. If they can improve, again, from their Semi-Final performance, there is no reason why Europe can’t be saluting Italy on Sunday night as the European Champions.