Mario hits Milan winner

Mario Balotelli signed off his AC Milan debut by scoring the winner with the last kick of the match as Udinese were defeated 2-1 amid controversial scenes at the San Siro on Sunday night.

Watch Serie A highlights HERE

All eyes were on the mercurial Italy striker following his £19million arrival from Manchester City and he duly delivered a clinical brace, his first goal arriving in the 24th minute.

Gianpiero Pinzi pulled Udinese level in the second half and as Milan drifted towards a draw, Balotelli's head appeared to drop. But he snatched up the ball with glee when Stephan El Shaarawy won a suspicious penalty from Thomas Heurtaux in the final minute of injury time.

Despite Udinese's angry protestations - Heurtaux appeared to make a clean tackle - Balotelli kept his head from the spot to fire his new employers into fourth place in Serie A.

Earlier, Juventus went three points clear at the top of the standings thanks to a 2-1 victory at Chievo.

An early strike by Alessandro Matri was followed by a second just before the break from Stephan Lichtsteiner, before Cyril Thereau reduced the arrears in the second half. New signing Nicolas Anelka was an unused substitute for Juventus.

Siena climbed off the bottom of the table with a shock 3-1 home victory over Inter Milan, who have now failed to win on the road since November.

Debutant Innocent Emeghara, recently signed from Lorient, stunned the Nerazzurri with his first Siena goal, only for Antonio Cassano to equalise inside 60 seconds.

An Alessio Sestu goal ensured Giuseppe Iachini's hosts led at the break.

The second half might have been a different story for Inter had Cristian Chivu not seen red for a professional foul, with Alessandro Rosina converting the resulting penalty.

A last-gasp goal from debutant Marco Rigoni secured a 3-2 victory over Lazio that lifted Genoa out of the relegation zone.

It was a well-deserved first win for new Genoa coach Davide Ballardini, whose side built a two-goal lead inside 21 minutes through Marco Borriello and Andrea Bertolacci.

Sergio Floccari and Stefano Mauri dragged Lazio back into the game, only for deadline-day signing Rigoni to fire in a bullet header for Genoa at the death.

Fiorentina got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Parma.

Vincenzo Montella's men were chasing a first win in five games to restore their bid for a Champions League place and Luca Toni put them on track with the opener.

The visitors, who are sliding down the league table, were condemned to a second straight defeat when Stevan Jovetic scored five minutes into the second half.

Pescara dropped into the relegation zone after losing 3-2 at home to Bologna in an eventful contest featuring three penalties in the space of 16 first-half minutes.

The home side twice took the lead from the spot through Vladimir Weiss and Gaetano D'Agostino, with Alessandro Diamanti initially equalising with a penalty for the visitors.

Diamanti then set up a second equaliser for Alberto Gilardino before Panagiotis Kone scored the winner for Bologna midway through the second half.

Watch Serie A highlights

Palermo's rash of January signings were unable to change their fortunes at the foot of the table as they lost 2-1 at home to fellow strugglers Atalanta.

Palermo signed a total of 10 players in January, with Diego Fabbrini and Alejandro Faurlin the last to arrive on deadline day.



They both made their debuts but ended in a losing cause as second-half goals from Carlos Carmona and German Denis put Atalanta in control before Nelson's late consolation.

Balotelli move to AC Milan

Mario Balotelli is officially a Milan player after agreeing a four-and-a-half-year contract, completing his move from Manchester City for €20m plus bonuses.



The news was confirmed on Milan Channel, the official club television channel, and he will have his medical on Wednesday.



“Mario arrives tomorrow!!!” read a statement on Milan Channel. “There is an agreement between the two clubs.



“Tomorrow he’ll undergo a medical and after that Mario will sign a contract with Milan until June 30 2017.”



Up until a couple of weeks ago, the price-tag set by City had been €37m, but Milan managed to negotiate it down to €20m to be paid over a six-year period, plus another €3m in performance-related bonuses.



Balotelli himself was crucial in the negotiations, as the lifelong Rossoneri supporter reportedly agreed to cut his wages from €6m net to just €4m.



Italian sources suggest he has already left the Manchester City training camp ahead of tonight's game with QPR and will be in Milan this evening.

Milan and Juve in talk over possible move for Balotelli

Manchester City have held talks with AC Milan and Juventus about the sale of striker Mario Balotelli, but will only let him go if the Serie A clubs meet their valuation.

City value the Italian, 22, at around 24m euros (£21m) including add-ons.

Balotelli is not actively up for sale and City will not subsidise any of his salary should he leave the club.

Contrary to reports, Balotelli is with the squad that travelled to London for Tuesday's meeting with QPR.

Milan initiated talks with City over the Italy striker, and Juve subsequently made contact with the Premier League club to discuss buying Balotelli, who arrived in Manchester from Inter Milan in August 2010 for a fee in the region of £24m.



Earlier on Monday, City assistant manager David Platt had said Balotelli would not be moving to AC Milan this month.

"I don't think anything is going to happen," said Platt of a proposed January move.

"It's a shame the manager's not here. He might know more than me but as far as we are concerned I think he is still a Manchester City player.

And City manager Roberto Mancini had also insisted on Friday that the Italian, regularly linked with a return to Italy since he arrived in England in 2010, would not leave the club.

"It is not true. Mario stays. We didn't have any requests about Mario or other players," said Mancini.

The Italian also said it would be "difficult" to buy new players with so little time left in the transfer window.

"I don't know [if City will buy anyone] but we don't have enough players," he added. "We are 18 players now. We can't sell any players."

Balotelli - who has scored one league goal in 14 appearances this term - has courted controversy throughout his time in England, with the latest incident involving a training ground row with Mancini at the start of January.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani had stated that if City were to lower their valuation then a move could be on, but Mancini insisted the Italy international remained part of his long-term plans.



"Mario has another three years on his contract," he said.

Napoli retain Balotelli hope

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis would prefer to see Mario Balotelli partner Edinson Cavani at the San Paolo than consider selling his star striker to Manchester City.



The Uruguayan forward fired Napoli back into third place in the Serie A table courtesy of a fine hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Roma, furthering his reputation as the envy of a host of top European clubs by bringing up his 20th goal of the season.



De Laurentiis has admitted rejecting a 55million euro (£45million) offer for Cavani from an unnamed club in the summer but revealed the 25-year-old does have a 63million euro (£51million) release clause in his contract.



City striker Balotelli has been mentioned as a potential makeweight should the Barclays Premier League champions look to bolster their forward line with Cavani, but De Laurentiis has other ideas.



He told Gazzetta.it: "City are considering letting Balotelli go so they can move for Cavani? I would prefer to see Balotelli playing with Cavani here at Napoli.



"Teams tend to hold onto their best players in January. You take a big risk making big investments now.



"There is still time for us to bring in new faces but we must be cautious. On January 31 you will see what moves Napoli have made."



Napoli's comfortable victory over Roma, in which Christian Maggio rounded off the scoring following Pablo Osvaldo's late response, sees the Campanian outfit return to the title race after suffering an uncomfortable end to 2012.



Four straight defeats in all competitions and a two-point deduction for alleged involvement in match-fixing saw Walter Mazzarri's men drift 10 points shy of league leaders Juventus.



Sunday night's win, coupled with Juve's surprise home defeat to Sampdoria, sees Napoli close to within two points of second-placed Lazio.



De Laurentiis added: "Are Napoli back on track? I say we have 39 points, 10 more than we had this time last year, because I'm not counting the two they took off us as a punishment.



"I think we'll get those points back and hopefully we'll get another 10 points on the pitch soon. Other teams have had a bad round and we can think about taking advantage.



"Napoli will definitely fight right until the end."



Meanwhile, European hopefuls Roma were left empty-handed and shell-shocked after being undone by Cavani inside 70 minutes.



General manager Franco Baldini told Gazzetta.it: "Cavani was the difference, he won the game, not only with his goals but because he both defended and attacked.



"He's not a candidate for the Ballon d'Or, because he is a no-frills player, but he should be among them. He's truly world class in this league."

Mancini standing by Balotelli

Roberto Mancini has dismissed his training-ground altercation with Mario Balotelli as "nothing special".



The Manchester City manager was pictured angrily confronting his striker during training on Thursday, raising new questions over Balotelli's future at the club.



But Mancini told a press conference Balotelli will not face disciplinary action and the incident will not spell the end of the 22-year-old's Eastlands career.



He said: "We were playing a game and Mario kicked his team-mate. I told him to leave the pitch, he said 'no', and I took his shirt and pushed him from the pitch. That is what really happened - nothing special, no fight.



"These are things that can happen, usually between players. This was different because I wanted him to leave the pitch for what he did against another player."



Asked whether he would now look to sell Balotello, Mancini said: "No, no, no, no. This is not important - it doesn't change my thoughts on this.



"I will give him another 100 chances if possible, if I think he can change. I am here for this. Sometimes I am upset with him, but I give him another chance, sure. He is 22 and he can make a mistake."



Mancini has more often than not backed his fellow Italian despite a series of high-profile incidents - on and off the pitch - since the striker's 2010 arrival from Inter.



The manager did question Balotelli's future after a sending-off at Arsenal last season, but he was back in the fold by May and set up the Sergio Aguero goal which secured City's first league title since 1968.

Mancini clashes with Balotelli

Misfit Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli and manager Roberto Mancini were involved in a furious training ground bust-up today.



The City boss was seen to grab, shove and gesticulate wildly at the striker as the pair clashed in front of stunned team-mates at the club's Carrington base.



The 22-year-old Italian striker was then seen being restrained and led away by a member of staff, believed to be Massimo Battara, in shocking scenes as City prepared their FA Cup third round clash with Watford.

Mancini reacted furiously following a tackle from Balotelli on a team-mate said to be Scott Sinclair, once again putting the Italian's future at the club in doubt.



One onlooker told Sky Sports News: 'Mancini ran at him - he was furious,' said the onlooker. 'He grabbed hold of him and appeared to try and throw him on the floor.



'It looked like Mario was too strong and he couldn't get him down. Then all the coaches ran in to separate them but Mancini was having none of it. He kept trying to break free and have a go at him again.'



After the incident, Balotelli drove off in his camouflage Bentley GT. He has a history of irritating his manager, leading to much speculation he will be sold.



When Balotelli was sent off against Arsenal last season, his furious manager intimated that it was the end of the line for the striker.

After that game Mancini said: 'I can continue to play with Mario on the pitch. Every time, we risk one sent off, like today.'



Then asked for how long he would put up with the striker's antics, he said: 'I am finished. We have six games and he will not play in the next six games (because of suspension).'



Other incidents which antagonised his manager include the time he was caught throwing darts at youth team players at the training ground and him staying up late before the Manchester derby - after letting off fireworks in his house.

The drama comes just after former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed Balotelli offered City the best chance of retaining their Barclays Premier League title.



He believes Mancini should continue to take the rough with the smooth and persist with the precociously talented striker.



'If you ever spend any time with Mario then you love Mario,' said the 31-year-old Swede, who has been no stranger to controversy himself during a 13-year career at the highest level.



'Even though he is not always the easiest player for the coach to manage, speak to any of his old coaches like Jose (former Inter and current Real Madrid boss Mourinho) and they will tell you when you work with Mario you always have a smile on your face.'



Ibrahimovic, who has netted 18 goals in just 16 games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, believes that Balotelli can inspire City to claw back the seven-point lead Manchester United currently hold over them in the title race.

'He is a special player and a special talent,' added the former Milan, Barcelona and Juventus man. 'When Mario plays like he can he will hurt any team in the world.



'Manchester City are already a way behind Manchester United in the Premier League – but if any player can retain the title for them it is Mario. All the class that Manchester City have I would still say Mario is the most capable.'

Ibrahimovic - who scored a stunning long-range overhead kick against England in November - also revealed that he helped Mancini to nurture Balotelli when the trio were together at the San Siro.



'I tried to help Mario because it is true he does sometimes make decisions in the moment – but that is his personality,' he added.



'Roberto will know the same as me that the way to get the best out of Mario is to love him. That is what he will react best to – and if they can get Mario playing at his best then Manchester City still have a big chance.'

Mancini: Mario not for sale

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini insists he has no plans to sell maverick forward Mario Balotelli.



The striker was substituted in the early stages of the second half in City's 3-2 derby defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, sparking criticism from his manager.



Mancini accused Balotelli of wasting his talent and stressed that these performances could not continue, leading to reports that the former Inter Milan man's time in Manchester was up.



But the Etihad boss has moved to calm speculation by highlighting the player's quality and confirming the Italy international will not be transferred.



"Balotelli is not for sale," Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.



"Mario is a City player, he is loved by the fans and the management. He has been an important player for us.



"A player of his quality should think exclusively to his work and his family, he has talent and he cannot blow it as he is doing.



"Our paths may separate if I change team, but he will remain at City."



Serious



Meanwhile, Mancini says he is also not planning to leave the Etihad Stadium but admitted to missing life in his homeland.



"I'm fine at City," said the Italian. "I work in a very serious club and in England it is easier to work. There is a project and we have done a great job in two years.



"I feel really good, but it is clear that I miss Italy because home is always missing."



Asked about the prospect of coaching the Italy national team, he added: "It is still early and [Cesare] Prandelli is doing well."



Speculation



Mancini also dismissed speculation linking City with a move for midfield duo Daniele De Rossi of Roma and Wesley Sneijder of Inter.



Asked about De Rossi, he said: "We tried to get him in the summer, but it ended there. I think that he now remains at Roma. I do not think he will leave."



Regarding a possible move for Sneijder, Mancini added: "We have never contacted him. Wesley has great quality, but we have other players in that role, like [Samir] Nasri and [David] Silva."



But the City boss was more forthcoming when asked about AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy, the current top goalscorer in Serie A.



"I really like El Shaarawy," said Mancini.



"He is really good player who has seen an incredible improvement. He can become a great champion. Will he be coming to City? No, he's at Milan."

Balotelli becomes a father

Manchester City and Italy striker Mario Balotelli has become a father, with former girlfriend Raffaella Fico giving birth to a daughter.



The child has been named Pia, according to Italian media.



She was born on Wednesday, five days earlier than expected, at the Clinica Mediterranea in Naples. Balotelli was not present at the birth.



City faces crosstown rival Manchester United in the English Premier League on Sunday.

AC Milan consider Balotelli bid

AC Milan have added to speculation they are preparing a January bid for Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

The former Inter Milan player's future is uncertain in England after starting just one of his club's last eight matches in all competitions, including only making a substitute appearance in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund.



City boss Roberto Mancini has been a long-term fan of Balotelli but it appears his trust in the £24million summer 2010 signing is slipping after several negative headline-grabbing incidents.



And Milan could be ready to offer the Italy international a return to his homeland with a bid when the transfer window opens in less than a month.



Speaking before Milan's Champions League defeat by Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday night, boss Massimiliano Allegri said of Balotelli: "He is an important player with extraordinary physical and technical qualities.



"I believe, however, given his qualities, he threw away a few years of his career."



Allegri has also hinted current Milan star Stephan El Shaarawy and Balotelli would make a lethal attacking combination for the club.



"I think they have done good things with the Italian national team," said Allegri. "But I want to talk about AC Milan and the players I have. Then, in January, we will see what happens."



Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has also suggested a move for Balotelli is not just a fantasy after giving a teasing response when asked about the 22-year-old.



Berlusconi told Sky Sport Italia when questioned if Balotelli is a dream: "No, it's not a dream. I never dream."


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Manchester City hit man wants to join Balotelli

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has praised his former Inter Milan teammate Mario Balotelli profusely and has claimed that the Italian wants to link up with him at Paris St. Germain.



The striker who recently scored a wonder goal against England in an international friendly spoke to the Italian media, saying that Balotelli, “is a player with great talent and, given his age and has a huge potential. He may be one of the best strikers in the world. He has matured a lot and I think he wants me to play with me again, now at PSG.”



Balotelli is facing a great deal of pressure at Manchester City and seems to be 4th in the pecking order with his consistent lack of professionalism further creating problems between him and City boss Roberto Mancini. The former Inter Milan forward has made just 5 starts this season and he may find himself making a move in January if PSG are able to place a strong bid on the table.



The Italian has scored just 2 goals for his club this season and has failed to make a telling impact on his team’s fortunes, unlike super sub Edin Dzeko. With the likes of AC Milan and Inter Milan also allegedly keen to sign Balotelli, we may well see him the Champions in January.

Mancini - Balotelli can be as good as Cristiano or Messi

Roberto Mancini claims Manchester City's Mario Balotelli can be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi - if he could only keep his focus.

City boss Mancini left Balotelli out of the squad to face Tottenham earlier this month because of what he felt was a poor attitude in training.



That sparked fresh speculation the 22-year-old could leave City but Mancini insisted he has no intention of selling his former Inter Milan protege and has now urged him to focus fully on his football.



The rewards for that, he believes, could elevate him to the level of the world's best players.



Mancini said: "Mario, outside the pitch, is a fantastic guy.





"Sometimes he doesn't understand which is your job, and how his job is important for his life, but I hope for him that he can understand this quickly.



"Now he is 22 but life can go quickly and I hope he can improve everything because as a player he could be like Cristiano and Messi, if he understands that to be like this you should work hard, your mind should be always on your job, not on the other things that are not important. I am very sorry for him for this.



"He has everything to be one of the best players in the world."



Balotelli was spotted in a nightclub in the early hours of the morning prior to the November 11 Spurs game, although no curfew was broken as Mancini had already informed him he would not be playing.



Mancini has remained fiercely loyal to Balotelli throughout his near two-and-a-half years at City despite a number of controversial incidents on and off the field.



The 47-year-old hopes he can oversee Balotelli's development into the player he believes he should be.



Mancini added of his fellow Italian: "It is not too easy to work with him every day because if you are a manager, you should manage 22 players.



"This is difficult sometimes but I hope he can change his mind."

Penalty taker specialist 

A back injury sustained on recent international duty prevented Balotelli from returning to the side in Saturday's 5-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa.



He remains doubtful for Wednesday Champions League clash against Ronaldo's Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium but has trained.



Mancini said: "Yesterday he trained with the physio and tomorrow and today he will train with the team and we will see if he can play."

International round-up

Bafetimbi Gomis's second-half winner helped France clinch a 2-1 friendly victory against hosts Italy.

Two other European heavyweights, Netherlands and Germany, went head-to-head, but nothing could separate the bitter rivals in a goalless stalemate.

Montenegro moved top of England's World Cup qualifying group with a comfortable 3-0 victory against minnows San Marino.

And former England boss Fabio Capello watched his Russia side draw 2-2 against visitors USA in a friendly.

French end It

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli hit the crossbar for Italy with a long-range shot in the 10th minute before highly rated AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawi, who has scored eight Serie A goals this term, transferred his impressive form to the international stage by netting the opener in Parma.

The Azzurri's lead lasted barely two minutes, though, as Mathieu Vabuena equalised for France before Gomis converted Patrice Evra's pass.

Both Netherlands and Germany were missing key players for their clash in Amsterdam - and it resulted in a tame match with few chances.

Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus could have snatched an injury-time winner for the Germans, but blasted his shot over the bar.

Elsad Zverotic's second-half strike sealed Montenegro's win againstSan Marino after Andrija Delibasic netted a first-half brace.

Montenegro have earned 10 points from four Group H games, with second-placed England on eight after four matches.



Capello, who took over as Russia boss in the summer, extended his unbeaten run at the helm to six matches with the draw againstUSA.

Fedor Smolov and Roman Shirokov netted for the home side, but their strikes were cancelled out by American pair Michael Bradley and Mikkel Deskerud.

Argentina fielded Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria in their trip toSaudi Arabia - but the South Americans were still unable to break down their hosts in a goalless stalemate.

The match saw Messi reunited with Saudi boss Frank Rijkaard - the man who gave him his break in the Barcelona first team.

World and European champions Spain thrashed Panama 5-1 after goals from Pedro (2), David Villa, Sergio Ramos and Markel Susaeta.


Elsewhere, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez netted Uruguay's third as they won 3-1 in Poland, while ex-Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba scored inIvory Coast's 3-0 win against hosts Austria.

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke put Belgium ahead in Romania,before the hosts turned the game around to win 2-1.

Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner, currently on loan at Juventus, putDenmark ahead from the spot in their 1-1 draw again

El Shaarawy keen to link up with Balotelli

Italy's Stephan El Shaarawy is hoping to forge a strong international partnership with Manchester City ace Mario Balotelli



The pair is part of Italy's squad for their friendly against France in Parma on Wednesday.



AC Milan's El Shaarawy is the joint leading goalscorer in Serie A, with eight goals, and is aiming to replicate his domestic form at international level.



"I am at the complete disposal of the coach (Cesare Prandell)," El Shaaraway told reporters.



"At Milan I have learned how to alternate attacking and defensive phases. I hope to do well with Balotelli. Prandelli has given me all of his instructions and now I have to prove my quality."



France boss Didier Deschamps has also spoken ahead of the clash and remains uncertain what approach Italy will adopt, while stressing the importance of getting a result.



"When you take on a team like Italy, who are one of the best in the world, there are always special expectations and it requires a particular level of concentration," he said.



"I don't know exactly what to expect from Italy. In terms of systems they can adapt with a three-man defence or a 4-3-3. I'm certain Cesare Prandelli will choose a very attacking side.



"It is a friendly, but the result is always important."

Twitter reacts as Italy reach the final

Mario Balotelli struck twice in the first half to inspire Italy to a 2-1 victory over Germany and book their place in the Euro 2012 final against defending champions Spain in Kiev on Sunday.



Manchester City striker and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo were the standout performers as Cesare Prandelli’s side caused a shock in the second semi-final, and the 21-year-old’s exploits received plenty of praise from his colleagues on Twitter.



Here are some of our favourite Tweets, in chronological order.



1min: Former Coventry City striker Darren Huckerby ‏(@hucks6dh6) is hoping for a better semi-final than the goalless draw on Wednesday: “Please let this game be better than yesterday match. #DullAsDishWater #Euro12”



1min: Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton ‏(@Joey7Barton) is backing Joachim Low’s side: “Got to fancy the German machine tonight. I can’t see beyond them. They will man mark Andrea Pirlo mark my words, he will be shackled. If you stop Pirlo then you as good as stop Italy.”



1min: England batsman Kevin Pietersen ‏(@kevinpp24) is also a member of the Pirlo fan club: “Come on #Pirlo ! He’s my new favourite footballer. Sink the Germans big man!”



1min: Newcastle United defender Danny Simpson ‏(@dannysimpson) gives his prediction: “Germany 1-0 and Mario Gomez to score! What do you think?”



20mins: Fabrice Muamba (‏@fmuamba) sees it as a challenge for the fancied German side: “Wow. This is big question for Germany to see how they can handle being a goal down.”



20mins: Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (‏@kschmeichel1) heaps praise on Antonio Cassano for the cross which resulted in Balotelli’s first goal: “What a ball in for Ballotelli! This makes it very interesting. #ItaliansCanDefend”



20mins: West Brom Albion midfielder Steven Reid (‏@stevenreid12) agrees: “Some ball from Cassano that… Finish! #balotelli”



20mins: Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit ‏(@GullitR) is delighted by the Manchester City striker’s goal: “Yeeeeeeeeees Balotelli. Come on Italy!”



30mins: Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas (‏@jjenas8) disagrees with some of the refereeing decisions: “Seriously another referee that needs his whistle taking off him!!!”



35mins: Birmingham City goalkeeper Ben Foster ‏(@BenFoster) is stunned by Balotelli’s second goal: “Don’t care if you like #Balotelli or not but wow!”



35mins: Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden ‏(@stuholden) is similarly speechless: “What a blast, wow ! Take a bow Ballotelli!”



Half-time: Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi (@GiuseppeRossi22) is delighted for his team-mate: “Supermariooooooo two!!!!!!!”



Half-time: Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand ‏(@rioferdy5) believes Italy could have beaten England by more if they had been clinical: “Germany 0-2 Italy…totally surprised me….saying that if Italy had converted their chances against us it would have been much the same!”



Half-time: TV presenter Eamonn Holmes ‏(@EamonnHolmes) doesn’t want England supporters to start getting smug: “How many people are rethinking the England performance now ? Maybe not as bad as it seemed on the night …..nah – it was still pants!”



60mins: Kasper Schmeichel ‏(@kschmeichel1) praises Buffon for a great save from a dangerous Germany free-kick: “Great save Buffon and very important!!! #class”



70mins: Former Newcastle United defender Warren Barton ‏(@warrenbarton2) is impressed by the Azzurri: “Italy are playing great – good passing, movement and looking to get forward!!!”



74mins: Fulham defender John Arne Riise ‏(@RealJohnARiise3) reckons his former Roma team-mate and City rival are playing brilliantly: “Grande Balotelli.. Grande De Rossi!”



80mins: United midfielder Tom Cleverley ‏(@tomclevz23) picks his man of the match: “Pirlo been class again!”



82mins: Former Tottenham midfielder Rohan Ricketts ‏(@RohanRicketts) is mesmerised: “Pirlo is a class act. His decision making on when you play one touch or take more is spot on. Weight of pass is also spot on. #EUR02012”



88mins: England legend Gary Lineker ‏(@GaryLineker) is trying to pick up some German: “Just asked @J_Klinsmann if they have a word in German for bogey team. He said they don’t. I think they need to find one!”



Full-time: AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng ‏(@KPBofficial) is impressed by Balotelli: “Italiaaaaaaaa!!! Balotelli showed the world what a player he can be!!”



Full-time: Newcastle’s Peter Lovenkrands ‏(@lovenkrands11) is backing Spain in the final: “Well done to Italy they played really well! Spain vs Italy is going to be a good one, think Spain will win!”

Balotelli sends Italy into final

Mario Balotelli finally answered the critics by delivering on the big stage against Germany in Warsaw tonight. The Manchester City striker struck twice in the first half to set the Azzurri on course for a Euro 2012 final showdown with defending champions Spain in Kiev on Sunday.



The shell-shocked Germans looked more dangerous after introducing Marco Reus at half-time, but they were unable to penetrate a resolute Italian defence until Mesut Ozil's injury-time penalty.



After his impressive display against England, Andrea Pirlo was again central for the Azzurri, and the midfielder was perfectly placed to clear Mats Hummels' scuffed effort off the line on five minutes as Italy started nervously.



Gianluigi Buffon then unconvincingly cleared a Jerome Boateng cross before proving equal to Toni Kroos' effort from outside the area, as Germany continued to ask questions.



Manuel Neuer eased himself into the game with two routine saves, but he was helpless on 20 minutes when Italy took a shock lead.



Antonio Cassano easily turned inside Hummels and crossed to the awaiting Balotelli, who soared over the wrong-footed Holger Badstuber and headed home from close range.



Sixteen minutes later the Manchester City striker went one better. Riccardo Montolivo's ball bamboozled the German defence, which gave Balotelli time to rifle a dipping 20-yard shot past Neuer.



Germany piled bodies forward after the break and Buffon twice denied Reus, while captain Philip Lahm spurned a great chance following a one-two with Toni Kroos.



Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Di Natale should have sealed victory when presented with gilt-edged opportunities, but despite Ozil's spot-kick, Italy held on to maintain their unbeaten record over Germany in competitive games.

Agent scotches Balotelli exit talk

The agent of Mario Balotelli is adamant the striker has 'no intention' of leaving Manchester City for a return to Italy.



The 21-year-old Italy striker, who is preparing for Thursday's Euro 2012 semi-final clash against Germany, has been consistently linked with a return to play in his homeland since he joined City in a £20million deal in summer 2010.



City boss Roberto Mancini confirmed that Balotelli remains a big part of his plans at the Etihad Stadium after he helped the side clinch the Premier League title last season.



However, it is not stopped speculation linking the controversial forward with moves to both Serie A champions Juventus and AC Milan.



But, Balottelli's agent Mino Raiola insists that Balotelli is happy to remain at City, while he also doubts any clubs in Italy have the financial resources to afford his signature.



Raiola told SportMediaset: "Maybe I have not been clear - Balotelli can't come back to Italy.



"Italian football's economic situation means that at the moment top players can't come to Italy.



"In football, nothing is impossible, but Mario hasn't spoken to me. He has no intention to come back.



"City and the coach are relying on him."

Balotelli could miss Ireland clash

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has picked up a knee injury in training ahead of the match against Ireland on Monday and could well miss Italy’s last Group C game with Ireland.



The Manchester City striker pulled up during Saturday’s training session with a right knee problem and will undergo tests on Sunday to see the extent of the damage.



It is likely that Italian manager Cesare Prandelli will not risk Balotelli for Monday evening’s must-win match, especially as he already underwent surgery on that knee in the past.



There had already been reports from the Italian press that Balotelli would be dropped after failing to impress against Spain and Croatia. Balotelli had stated before the tournament that, were he to be subjected to racist abuse, he would walk off the pitch. This has not come to pass so far however.



Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale, who scored the opening goal against Spain, is now expected to partner Antonio Cassano in attack.



Italy must win to progress to the knock out stages of the Euro 2012. Any other result and the Azzurri are out of the tournament. A 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia would also eliminate the Italians. The Republic of Ireland have already been eliminated, though a victory over Italy would see the Boys in Green finish third in the Group.

Croatia faces UEFA sanctions

UEFA has acted to stamp out monkey chanting at EURO 2012 after opening disciplinary proceedings against Croatia over the alleged abuse of Mario Balotelli.



European football's governing body announced it was taking action against the Croatian Football Federation over the racist behaviour of its fans during the country's 1-1 Group C draw against Italy on Thursday.



It was unclear whether the proceedings were also intended to deal with claims a banana was thrown onto the field during the game in Poznan or if that would be handled separately.



UEFA was quoted in a statement: "UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols) at the UEFA Euro 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday.



"The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on 19 June."

Balotelli: I'll leave pitch if racially abused at Euros

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli insists he will storm off the pitch if racially abused while playing for Italy at next month's European Championship.



Balotelli has been the target of racist attacks both on and off the pitch in Europe, and is adamant he will not stand for such behaviour in Poland and the Ukraine. UEFA officials have the authority to abandon any match if violence or abuse is taking place, but Balotelli says he will be the first to act.



"Let's see what happens at the Euro," Balotelli told France Football. "I hope that there will not be a problem because I really can't handle that. I cannot bear racism, it's unacceptable for me. If it happened again I would straight away leave the pitch and go home. We are in 2012. It can't happen."



On the pitch, Balotelli has been subject to abuse while playing for Inter Milan against Juventus, with the Turin-based club forced to play behind closed doors after the incident. Porto were then fined £16,000 as a result of monkey chants directed at Balotelli during a Europa League match against City earlier this year.



"I remember very well the Juventus game, but I also scored a goal," Balotelli said. "I had to pretend I hadn't seen or heard anything. I wanted to play. I was young. It was up to me to tell the referee, but if I had told the referee to stop the match I wouldn't have scored. Occasionally, you're so good that people can't think of any other way to make you angry."



The controversial striker, who once had bananas thrown at him while at a bar in Rome, also said if he encountered off-field abuse he "will go to prison because I will kill him".



Speaking about the incident in Rome, Balotelli said: "These two or three lads were lucky the police came straight away because, I swear, I would have given them a proper kicking. I would truly have destroyed them. I hope that doesn't happen again.



"I'm black and proud to have African roots. I think I'm lucky to be black. People say about me that I'm a black boy who has fun, earns money and has girls. It's not like that. It's too easy to judge people through what you see."

Balotelli staying at City - Mancini

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has declared Mario Balotelli is staying at the club.



The striker has been linked with a move away from the newly-crowned Premier League champions, Mancini admitting after his sending off in last month's defeat at Arsenal he would "probably" sell him.



Reports in Italy have suggested Balotelli could head to AC Milan this summer in a swap deal which would bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the Etihad, but Mancini insisted he was going nowhere.



"Ibra is a great player but I don't think Milan want to sell him," Mancini told Gazzetta dell Sport.



"I'm going to be honest, we haven't looked at the market yet.



"In the last five weeks our only focus has been the league.



"Mario has been very clear and I reiterate: Balotelli will remain at Manchester 101%."



Balotelli, who set up Sergio Aguero for the 94th-minute winner against QPR which earned City their first league title since 1968 on Sunday, has been included in Italy's preliminary squad for the Euro 2012.



"I am confident he will have a great European championship," Mancini said. "I hope Mario will be the leader of the national team because he is the best Italian striker.



"He just needs to make his brain work. That is his only problem."



Balotelli joined City from Inter Milan in August 2010 and is under contract until June 2015.