Brilliance from Balotelli

Italy called Antonio Di Natale into the starting line up at the expense of Mario Balotelli in one of four changes made by Cesare Prandelli ahead of this crunch Group C game.

The first half was a relatively even affair with Ireland making a positive contribution to the opening exchanges. After three minutes, a Damien Duff free kick was swung in but while the Italians initially failed to clear the first ball, a blue shirt scrambled clear before anyone could find the net.

The Juventus playmaker scored in the game against Croatia with a curling free kick and it was his set piece delivery that seemed to trouble the Irish most. Eventually, on 35 minutes, an inswinging Pirlo corner was met with a deft back-header from Antonio Cassano and Prandelli’s men had the lead going into the break.

As it stood at half time, Italy would top the group but it was always clear that a second goal would be vital. However, the start of the second period didn’t suggest that another goal would be coming anytime soon. Neither team sat back but then again, neither seemed to have the penetration or creativity to grab what could prove a crucial goal.

As the first half drew on a pattern developed that saw the Irish absorbed pressure and tried to counter through the daring Aiden McGeady. It was a ploy that had potential and made for an entertaining half but the key to Italian success always seemed to lay with Andrea Pirlo who defied his 32 years to run the show yet again at Euro 2012.

Early on, De Rossi had a long range effort that comfortably cleared the bar while a deep cross from McGeady found Robbie Keane but the former Tottenham stiker’s touch let him down when it was needed most. All the while, Di Natale had seen precious little of the ball up front and the inevitable happened on 75 minutes when he was hauled off to be replaced by Balotelli.

Shortly after, Pirlo had a free kick in a similar position to his Croatian master strike but this time his effort flew harmlessly over. The Irish pressed but Italy had always seemed more likely to add to the scoring and on 90 minutes, Balotelli swivelled brilliantly in the area to volley home and ensure the Italians progessed.