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Germany 1 Italy 2

Thursday 28 June 2012 22:43, UK

  1. Image: Celebrations for Italy as they defeat Germany in Warsaw thanks to two goals from Mario Balotelli.
  2. Image: The National Stadium in Warsaw prepares for a clash of titans as Germany face Italy in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.
  3. Image: German supporters are buoyant going into this fixture after enjoying a 4-2 quarter-final triumph over Greece.
  4. Image: The Italians are given an early scare when Mats Hummels connects with a corner and Andrea Pirlo is called upon to clear off the line.
  5. Image: Another close shave follows when Gianluigi Buffon uncharacteristically spills a cross which then rebounds off an Italian defender and goes narrowly wide.
  6. Image: Slightly against the run-of-play it's Italy who take the lead! Antonio Cassano turns Hummels too easily and chips over a cross...
  7. Image: ...which is met by Mario Balotelli, who just drops between the two defenders...
  8. Image: ...and makes it look too easy as Balotelli nods past a static Neuer.
  9. Image: The Manchester City striker forgets his tendency not to celebrate and makes the most of this moment in his career.
  10. Image: Just after Germany have a couple of good counter-attacks, Italy go straight to the other end when Balotelli latches onto a long ball from Montolivo...
  11. Image: ...after taking the ball under control, Mario strides forward, pushing the ball out from under his feet...
  12. Image: ...before unleashing a thunderbolt strike from 20 yards which nearly rips the top corner out of the goal.
  13. Image: Balotelli is proving his doubters wrong with this performance and has been underestimated by the Germans.
  14. Image: Philipp Lahm fires over the crossbar from inside the area as Germany look for a reply.
  15. Image: Antonio Cassano is replaced by Italy's penalty hero Alessandro Diamanti in the 58th minute.
  16. Image: Cesare Prandelli decides to err on the side of caution and replace the yellow carded Balotelli with Di Natale.
  17. Image: Things nearly go from bad to worse for Germany when Manuel Neuer scuffs a clearance but the keeper manages to recover in time.
  18. Image: A glimmer of hope is offered to Germany in the 90th minute when Balzaretti handles in the area. Mesut Ozil steps up from the spot...
  19. Image: ...and with four minutes of injury time still to play...
  20. Image: ...the Real Madrid midfielder converts. Germany grab the ball and run back to the halfway line.
  21. Image: The goal comes too late for Germany and Italy see out the final minutes, they will meet Spain in the final on Sunday.