/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F12%2F25%2FGermany2_2012022_1.jpg "Euro 2012: Germany 1-2 Italy - as it happened")
Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the second of the Euro 2012 semi-finals between Germany and Italy.
Spain booked their spot in the final with a 4-2 penalty victory over Portugal on Wednesday, and they will either be joined by Germany or Italy in the tournament conclusion.
The Germans have won their last 15 competitive fixtures – including all four games at Euro 2012 – and they have not fallen behind in a European Championship match for four years.
Meanwhile, Italy finished second in Group C behind Spain, and recorded a penalty shootout victory over England in the previous round.
The two sides have met seven times in competitive games, and Germany have yet to record victory, with Italy winning three and drawing four.
Note that kickoff is at 7.45pm.
21.44What a wonderful night of football. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the coverage and join us for the final on Sunday! Goodnight!
21.40So there it is. Italy march onto the final courtesy of two first-half goals from Mario Balotelli. The Germans improved after the break, but it took until the 92nd minute for them to score their first of the night through Mesut Ozil. Unreal.
21.39Italy will play Spain in the final of Euro 2012 on July 1.
FULL-TIMEGermany 1-2 Italy
90 min+3About 30 seconds of football to play...
90 min+3Free-kick Italy. That could be just about it.
90 min+3Mix-up in the Italian defence. Germany on the attack.
90 min+2Ozil scores from the spot! Two minutes remaining!
90 min+2GOAL! Germany 1-2 Italy (Ozil)
90 min+2It's Balzaretti who handles in the box. Ozil will take it.
90 min+2PENALTY TO GERMANY!
90 min+2Italy continue to clear the danger. Their defence has been superb this evening.
90 minOzil strikes from distance. However, it is wide. Meanwhile, we will play four additional minutes.
90 minHUMMELS! So nearly for Germany as Hummels strikes from close range. However, Buffon blocks the danger.
89 minGermany have possession in the Italy half, but they are going nowhere.
88 minKhedira finds Muller on the right. However, his cross is gathered by Buffon. Italy are almost there.
88 minPass, pass, pass from Italy as they continue to keep the ball in the latter stages.
86 minAnother sighter for Germany, but Kroos fires high and wide. It looks all over.
85 minREUS! So nearly for Germany as Reus ghosts into the box, but it is a wonderful challenge from Balzaretti.
85 min... Buffon punches clear. Break Italy. However, Di Natale is offside.
85 minAnother corner to Germany...
84 minGermany have to score. It has to come soon. They need two or it is over.
83 min... Buffon collects.
83 minCorner Germany. A goal now changes it...
82 minOh my word. Di Natale should have secured it for Italy as he beats the offside trap, but he fires wide while one-on-one with Neuer. Italy are such a threat on the counter.
81 minIt's almost a formation of 7-2-1 for Italy at the moment. Germany just cannot break through.
80 min10 minutes left. As it stands - Italy will face Spain in the final of Euro 2012 on Sunday.
80 minChance! There's the chance for Germany as Kroos meets the ball inside the box. However, he fires horribly high.
79 minPirlo has been magic tonight. Just magic.
79 minItaly are such a threat on the counter as Germany continue to flood forward. However, Diamanti wastes possession in a good area. Di Natale then comes close, but Neuer collects.
77 min... but Hummels heads over. Italy goal-kick.
77 minJust as I say that, Muller wins a corner...
76 minI honestly thought that Germany would come back into the match this half. But their threat has just drifted away.
75 minMARCHISIO! Italy so nearly win it as the midfielder picks the ball up inside the box, but he strikes wide!
74 minChance for Germany as Lahm whips a dangerous ball into the box, but Bonucci clears once more.
73 minItaly have just took control again in the past five or so minutes. I cannot see a German goal coming.
71 minHere comes Germany's third change as Boateng is replaced by Muller.
71 minThe Italians are just so well-drilled in defence. The match is a bit of a non-affair at the moment. Just as Italy want it.
70 minThird and final change for Italy as Balotelli is replaced by Antonio Di Natale.
68 minBalotelli drops to the ground with apparent cramp. Not sure about that one to be honest. Italy have just taken everything out of the game.
67 minChance! Marchisio so nearly wins it for Italy as he ghosts into the box, but his strike is just wide. The German chances have just dried up.
66 minPirlo looks like he is having a Sunday kickabout with his family in the park. He has been breathtaking once more.
65 minRight, we have 25 minutes of football remaining. Germany need something soon.
63 minItaly are taking the sting out of the game at the moment - frustrating the Germans.
63 minAnother change for Italy as Montolivo is replaced by Thiago Motta.
62 minIt is simply all Germany here. But Italy remain 2-0 ahead. The Germans have had chances.
61 minREUS! Fantastic attempt from the attacker, but Buffon just turns it over.
60 minIt's not a good challenge from Bonucci as he fells Kroos. Free-kick Germany in a dangerous position.
60 minIt's brilliant work from Balotelli as he evades Lahm and finds a powerful strike. However, it just drifts away from goal.
59 minWhy did Germany not start the match like this? They are well in control of the second period.
58 minHalf-chance for Germany as Boateng finds the head of Klose, but he just could not make proper contact.
57 minMeanwhile, it's a change for Italy as Cassano is replaced by Alessandro Diamanti.
56 minBrilliant challenge from Bonucci as he takes the ball away from Klose when he looked destined to shoot.
55 minChance! Another fine opportunity for Germany as Ozil dances into the box, but Khedira is just crowded out.
54 minPenalty shout for Germany as Klose falls in the box. However, no decision is forthcoming. It's all Germany at the moment.
53 minItaly are just starting to enjoy a period of possession. Germany simply have to attack here.
51 minIt's wonderful work from Cassano once more as he evades Hummels and finds a ball into the box. However, his cross is cut out by Lahm.
50 minGermany have started the second period much the better. They need something early here. However, the long ball to Balotelli is always on.
49 minLAHM! Germany so nearly get back into it as Kroos finds Lahm in the box. However, he fires high and wide. He should have scored.
48 minImmediate chance for Reus as he dances into the Italian box. However, his strike is tame and straight at Buffon.
48 minJust one team has ever won a European Championship finals match after being 2-0 down at half-time - Germany, against Yugoslavia in 1976.
46 minFirst free-kick of the second half goes to Italy as Klose fells Pirlo. Germany need something quickly here.
46 minWe do have some German changes. Reus and Klose are on for Podolski and Gomez. Wow. They get us underway in the second period.
20.47No word on whether Low has made any changes at the break as of yet. We will keep you in the loop.
20.45More from Shearer: "We mentioned before the game how many options Germany have up front. Well they are going to have one of those options now because their front three are not in the game. We talked before the game how Mario Balotelli did everything right against England without reward but he has done everything right tonight. His performance is sensational. He is bigger, stronger and he is getting the goals. He has added everything we wanted him to add to his game. It is a wonderful performance."
20.39Balotelli and Cassano have both been very, very good so far. But what has happened to Gomez?
20.37Here's more from Vialli: "It has been a fantastic Italian performance so far. I think Low played us a massive compliment as he has changed the German system to match ours. They are playing four players in a diamond shape in midfield and there is no threat from the Germans on the two flanks."
20.35What have we all made of that then? Who expected it? I think we are in for a cracker of a second period.
20.33Oh my word. A Mario Balotelli double has given Italy a 2-0 lead over Germany after 45 minutes of Euro 2012 football. It was the Germans who arguably controlled the early stages, but a double from the Manchester City striker has handed Cesare Prandelli's side a comfortable lead. How do the Germans respond?
HALF-TIMEGermany 0-2 Italy
45 minChance for Germany on the stroke of the interval as Lahm searches out Gomez in the box. However, the Bayern man falls under the pressure of Bonucci. Meanwhile, we will play an additional one minute.
43 minCassano takes a thump from Badstuber as he hits the deck. However, he seems ok to continue.
41 minI don't think I have even mentioned Bastian Schweinsteiger's name thus far. Amazing. He usually controls the match.
41 minIt must be said that it has been another masterclass of passing from Pirlo. Italy continue to keep the ball.
39 minIt was Montolivo who played that ball for Balotelli for his second. It was brilliant. But the finish was even better.
39 minGermany just cannot keep the ball at the moment as we approach the break. Can they turn this one around?
38 minGood grief. What is happening in this match? The ball down the middle forn Italy is on every time.
36 minOh my word! Balotelli beats the offside trap before hammering an effort into the top corner. What a strike.
36 minGOAL! Germany 0-2 Italy (Balotelli)
35 minIt's suddenly all happening as Khedira strikes from distance, but Buffon claws the ball out for a corner.
34 minMONTOLIVO! So nearly two for Italy as the midfielder ghosts in the box, but he is just crowded out before he can make proper contract. It's end-to-end stuff at the moment.
33 minIt's brilliant from Boateng as he digs out a cross right on the money. However, Balzaretti takes the ball away from Podolski at the far post.
31 minBrilliant defending from Montolivo as he stops Khedira in full flow. The final ball just isn't there for Germany at the moment.
30 minAgain Kroos tries his luck from distance, but it just drifts too high. Meanwhile, Balotelli wins a free-kick from Boateng.
29 minBrilliant football from Germany as Kroos slips in Gomez, but he just cannot gather. Ozil is the danger man for the Germans - give him the ball.
27 minChance! Opportunity for Germany as Gomez lays off to Ozil. However, his strike is collected by Buffon.
26 minAgain it's Boateng who finds Gomez, but the Bayern Munich man can only flick out of play. It wasn't a great ball. Dare I say that Italy look comfortable?
24 minSighter for Germany as Boateng finds the head of Gomez in the box. However, it just drifts wide.
24 minGermany are not used to going a goal down. How will they respond? They have possession at the moment.
22 minSuddenly it's all Italy as they flood forward. Cassano has had a storming opening 22 minutes.
22 minGermany look to hit back straight away through Podolski. However, the Arsenal man fires it high and wide.
21 minWow! Who saw that coming? Germany trail! We have a real match on our hands here. It's Balotelli's third goal for his country.
20 minItaly take the lead and it's wonderful from Cassano as he digs out a cross into the box - and Balotelli is on hand to thump the header home.
20 minGOAL! Germany 0-1 Italy (Balotelli)
19 minAnother sighter for Italy as Cassano curls one from outside the box, but Neuer is more than equal to it. Better from Italy.
18 minFirst strike on target from Italy as Montolivo thumps one from distance. However, Neuer collects the danger.
16 minInteresting battle developing between Balotelli and Hummels. We will keep a close eye on that one. Meanwhile, it's Germany with possession once more.
14 minGermany look in fine form in the early stages. However, Italy are a threat on the counter.
12 min... chance! So nearly for Germany as Boateng slips a low cross into the box, but Buffon palms it away before Kroos tests the keeper from distance.
12 minPirlo gives possession away - note that one down! 12 minutes in. It's Germany who attack...
11 minAgain it's good possession from Germany, but Khedira's pass is easily collected by Buffon. Meanwhile, De Rossi could have a problem with his back here.
10 minIt's really good defending from Hummels as he steps across Balotelli to gain possession. The German crowd enjoyed that one.
9 minNow it's Italy's turn for a period of possession with guess who - Pirlo. Both sides are looking to play in the opening moments.
7 minGermany have taken control of the early stages of this one. Their passing really has been impressive this summer.
6 minHUMMELS! So nearly 1-0 for Germany as Mats Hummels meets an Ozil corner. However, Pirlo clears before Buffon just hangs on under pressure.
6 minCrunching tackle from Balzaretti on Podolski. German corner...
4 minSighter for Italy as Cassano attempts to slip in Balotelli. However, his pass is just too long.
3 minAnother high ball is floated towards Gomez, but Buffon is on hand to collect the danger. Slightly scrappy from both sides early on.
2 minNice short sharp passing from Germany with Ozil and Kroos involved. However, the latter's cross is too high for Gomez.
1 minIt's a bright start for Italy as Antonio Cassano evades Jerome Boateng down the right. However, Holger Badstuber comes across to clear the danger.
1 minHere we go then. Italy get us underway in the second semi-final of Euro 2012.
19.44Right, handshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Check. UEFA speeches made? Check. We are almost ready.
19.43A bit more reserved from the Germans, but still good!
19.41That's how to sing. Fantastic passion from the Italian players and management team. Now it's Germany's turn...
19.40This really is a wonderful arena. It's national anthem time. Italy first.
19.38Here we go then. Both sets of players emerge from the tunnel.
19.36Vialli has also stated that the Italian perception of Balotelli isn't great. I am sure their opinion would change if he rattled in the winner tonight!
19.34More from Vialli: "I think it is important the team you pick to start with but you have to have options. Germany can change the whole front three and be as effective. Pirlo is as cool as a cucumber. He never gets over-excited. He is very influential. He is as influential as Xavi for Spain. He is a great playmaker. The defenders are always looking for Pirlo. When he looks up he always sees the movement of the striker. If I was Balotelli I would be disappointed that I hadn't scored more goals."
19.32I have also liked the look of Federico Balzaretti for Italy this summer. The 30-year-old has been a real rock in defence - and a threat going forward.
19.30Chiellini's return is also a big plus for the Italians. It is understood that the Juventus defender will start on the left side of the defence.
19.28We haven't even mentioned a certain Italian called Mario Balotelli thus far. The Manchester City striker was impressive against England, and you would have to think that he will have a say tonight.
19.26If it doesn't work out for Germany as the match progresses - they can call on Schurrle, Klose, Muller, Gotze, Reus and the rest. Couple that with Spain's bench last night, and it shows how seriously far England are behind.
19.24We are just about 20 minutes from kickoff. That's 20 too long for me. Let's get this show on the road!
19.22We haven't mentioned the Italian match-fixing issue - and I don't think it is right to at this moment. Tonight is about this match, the here and now. Everything else can wait.
19.20While we are on it. Here is the Italian view from former Italy international Gianluca Vialli: "Italian football doesn't always make me proud. Part of me is still very sad and angry with the match-fixing scandal. But Italy are by far the surprise of the tournament. The way we did it is with very good football. We are always solid at the back but we are playing good football. That is because of tactics but also because we have the most influential player in Andrea Pirlo. Put Pirlo in the England side and they would start playing football."
19.18Meanwhile, here's a word from former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann: "Italy don't have any fear when they play Germany. They stick to the game plan and they will be confident tonight and will give Germany a big problem. I am surprised they have brought Toni Kroos in instead of Thomas Muller. He may be the fresher player and could be asked to run down Pirlo. Everything has worked out for Joachim Low so far and he will be to blame if it does not."
19.16Here's a word from former England striker Alan Shearer on the BBC: "I have been really impressed by both teams. Germany have scored the most goals and Italy came into the tournament under perssure, and they have defended and played well. Pirlo was given the freedom of Kiev against England and will not be given that tonight. The Germans have been given two extra days off from the Italians and that could tell."
19.14Germany were in the Euro semi-finals four years ago - and they picked up a 3-2 win over Turkey. A similar goal-fest this evening would be good!
19.12It will also be interesting to see what part, if any, Klose plays for Germany tonight. The Lazio striker has scored 64 goals in 120 games for his country. He is just four strikes away from Gerd Muller's record of 68 goals for the Mannschaft.
19.10Many betting fans out there will have backed a Spain-Germany final pre-tournament. And in my opinion, it will be just that.
19.08What about the issue of the rest period between games? Germany played their quarter-final against Greece last Friday - which they won in normal time. Meanwhile, Italy played England on Sunday, and had to go the full 120 minutes.
19.06Warsaw's national stadium - the venue for this evening - really is a wonderful arena. I hope there are no empty seats out there!
19.04What is your score prediction for tonight then? Our very own Jack Prescott has gone for 2-1 Germany in our preview.
19.02Meanwhile, Prandelli stated: "People say Germany are younger, more attractive and fitter than us but we will play our own game and prove them wrong. We will have no �negative thoughts. We have adrenaline and desire. These ingredients are more powerful than any tiredness."
19.00Here's a word from German boss Low: "For today's generation, those past defeats have no relevance. I am not worried at all. Both teams have changed hugely, even from 2006 in Dortmund, which was a defeat that hurt us as we were so close to reaching the final in front of our own fans. Now we can beat anyone. We will play our game, bring in our strengths. We will try to dictate our rhythm and won't let Italy show us how we have to play. It's a confidence thing. We are a young team and we have to be cheeky, strong and brave. We have to concentrate and work very hard. I don't think we have to worry too much about our opponents. We play our own game - that's the most important thing," he told reporters.
18.58Meanwhile, Italy drew 1-1 in their opening game with Spain, before recording the same scoreline against Croatia. They made sure of their spot in the latter stages with a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland - before THAT penalty shootout win over England.
18.56Germany started their Group B campaign with a 1-0 victory over Portugal before they defeated their great rivals the Netherlands 2-1. They ended their group campaign with a 1-0 victory over Denmark, before a 4-2 quarter-final success over Greece.
18.54Let's have a look at how both sides made it to this stage of the competition.
18.52Italy are also yet to lose a competitive game under the leadership of Cesare Prandelli - recording nine victories and five draws.
18.50Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo completed 117 passes on Sunday - more than the combined total of the entire England midfield. However, it is doubtful that Germany will allow the fabulous midfielder so much time and space. Will it be Mesut Ozil given the job?
18.48Right, so there's the teams! Let me bring you some more build-up to the match.
18.46Gomez has also been recalled for Germany despite suggestions that Klose would start. The Bayern Munich man currently leads the race for the Golden Boot with three goals.
18.44What do we think of the team news then? No real surprises for Italy. However, Kroos is perhaps the only surprise in the German side.
18.42Meanwhile, Germany have recalled Lukas Podolski and Mario Gomez. Toni Kroos is also given a role in attack - with Thomas Muller starting from the bench.
18.42So there we have it. Italy welcome Giorgio Chiellini back into their side for tonight's encounter with Abate dropping out.
18.40Germany: Team News: Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Kroos, Ozil, Podolski; Gomez
18.40Italy: Team News: Buffon; Balzaretti, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio, Montolivo; Cassano, Balotelli
18.40However, make no mistake, Italy are no fools at this stage. They have advanced to the final in eight of the 10 semi-finals they have played at major tournaments. Although, they have failed to score in their two previous semi-finals.
18.38The Germans have previously contested six European Championship semi-finals - failing to reach the final just once. Remarkably, they have reached the semi-final stage of major tournaments 17 times - not bad huh?
18.36The two previous European Championship clashes between the pair have ended in group stage draws - 1-1 in 1988 and 0-0 in 1996.
18.34Germany have also scored at least once in each of their last 20 games - which means that we won?t get a 0-0 draw tonight right?
18.32Looking at this evening's match. As mentioned, Germany are yet to record a competitive victory over the Azzurri. However, if any squad should not feel burdened by previous failures, then it is this one. Joachim Low's squad have the youngest average age of any previous German side selected for a European Championship.
18.30Let's hope for goals this evening! We've had 240 minutes of Euro 2012 football since Xabi Alonso's second against France last Saturday. Surely it will not be another 0-0 tonight?
18.30It has also been suggested that Miroslav Klose will get the nod in attack for Germany - with Mario Gomez starting from the bench.
18.30Good evening! We are expecting the confirmed team news within the next 10 minutes. However, early indications suggest that Ignazio Abate misses out for Italy - unconfirmed!
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