Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has lavished praise on star striker Mario Balotelli after his double fired the Azzurri into the final of the 2012 European Championships with a 2-1 victory over Germany.
The Manchester City striker scored both goals before the break, as the Italians proved the better side in Thursday’s semifinal in Warsaw to clinch their spot in the final against Spain.
Prandelli was full of praise for Balotelli after the game, labelling his performance “excellent”.
“Balotelli was excellent just like the entire team were. I really need a team to have an idea, and Balotelli subscribed to this,” Prandelli told reporters.
“He was always available, ran high up the pitch and did very well. He was in the game, he was very focused, concentrated and did exactly what I asked of him. I took him off because I saw he was struggling and didn’t want to risk him.”
The Italy also had praise for his whole team who he believes have bought into his approach.
“I am very proud of these players – I don’t want it all to be about me. Germany are a good side, but we have a good idea about how to play the game,” he said.
“We’ve always tried to play football right from the outset – the players have really bought into what we’re trying to do. We tried to play football right from the start against Germany. I always wanted to focus on this style as we have a lot of quality.”
The Italy boss, however, didn’t want to get too carried away with Spain around the corner.
“We have no time to celebrate, just concentrate on the next game which is the biggest. When you dream, you only dream big – so this is the beginning,” he said.
“Spain are a terrific side, but we will prepare very well like we did tonight. I think it will be an open game and we’ll start on a level footing in that respect.”