Mario Balotelli supporting Paul Pogba and France at Euro 2016

Mario Balotelli has voiced his support for France and his friend Paul Pogba to win Euro 2016, despite acknowledging Germany are favourites.

The tournament hosts and reigning world champions go head-to-head in Marseille on Thursday for the right to face Portugal in Sunday's showpiece final in Paris.

Balotelli has experienced facing Germany at a European Championships before, scoring twice against them in the semi-finals four years ago as Italy reached the final of Euro 2012.

The Liverpool striker, however, believes Germany are favourites to progress this time around, although he would like his close friend Pogba to lead the home nation to glory.

"Objectively, yes [Germany are favourites], but subjectively I hope France win because I want my friend Pogba to win," Balotelli told Goal.

"Germany in 2012 were a little bit stronger than this current Germany side but Germany are always a strong team.

"I speak of little things, details. The team we faced in 2012 looked more compact but also this Germany are really good."

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France head into Thursday's semi-final at the Stade Velodrome off the back of their scintillating 5-2 quarter-final victory over Iceland.

Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud rose to the occasion at the Stade de France on Sunday, accounting for three of Les Bleus' five-goal haul.

I hope France win because I want my friend Pogba to win.

But Balotelli has been impressed by the performances of Dimitri Payet, a player he believes has been the star performer at the tournament to date.

"He played well in this tournament," Balotelli added. "He has been decisive since the first game.

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"But just a match can change Euro history so we have to wait for the last matches."