MARIO’S SUPER SHOW
Euro Rewind to 2012:
Premier League fans remember madcap Mario Balotelli for his off-thefield fireworks as much as his goals. But Germany found out to their cost never to underestimate the mercurial striker once his fuse is lit.
Balotelli, below, made his mark in England with Manchester City from 2010-2013.
It included an infamous incident when he let off fireworks in his bathroom to start a fire in his house, and regular battles to put on his bib in training to the amusement of photographers.
But for all his antics, the Italian striker undoubtedly had an eye for goal and six weeks after his pass set up Sergio Aguero for the most famous goal in Manchester City’s history, he was centre stage for his country. He underlined his precocious ability at the tender age of 21 as the Azzurri’s No.9 with a superb double to fire Italy into the final. Balotelli put Italy on their way when he headed Antonio Cassano’s cross past Manuel Neuer then added a thunderous right-foot effort from the edge of the box just before halftime. Off came the shirt in a defiant celebration directed at his critics who had dared to question him. Mesut Ozil’s stoppage-time penalty later provided brief anxiety for Italy but their victory was confirmed moments later as Balotelli embraced his adopted mum Silvia in the front row and described the game as the “greatest night of my life”.
“At the end of the game I went to my mother – that was the best moment,” he said. “I told her these goals were for her.
“I waited a long time for this moment, especially as my mother is not young any more and can’t travel far, so I had to make her happy when she came all the way here.”
Balotelli’s fairy tale was abruptly ended when Cesare Prandelli’s Italy were trounced 4-0 in the final by Spain in Kiev. But he still enjoyed a fine season with three goals at the Euros after 17 goals for Manchester City, who won the title with that famous final kick of the season.
It was arguably his best campaign before one final year at City and the start of a nomadic career.
Now aged 30, the Italian can be found in Serie B with Monza but to many fans, especially those compatriots in Warsaw, he is still Super Mario.
I went to my mother and told her the goals were for her