Mario Balotelli’s “perfect game” as Italy star delivered performance of his life

As Mario Balotelli rebuilds his career in Turkey, his Italy career disappearing further and further away into the rear-view mirror, it’s easy to forget how unstoppable he once was.

Back in the summer of 2012, the Azzurri striker travelled to the European Championships off the back of a title-winning campaign with Manchester City. Balotelli had even laid on that Sergio Aguero goal with what would be his only assist in the Premier League, and was in high spirits as Cesare Prandelli’s team set off for Poland to begin their campaign.

Italy themselves had some improving to do, of course. Their defence of their World Cup title ended in the group stage in 2010, though an unbeaten qualifying campaign offered hope. Balotelli didn’t score in any of those qualifiers, or in the first two games at the Euros proper, but he would later produce one of the best individual performances in recent Euros memory.

Balotelli’s discipline had been a concern in the lead-up to the tournament, with Prandelli reportedly going as far as demanding an apology from the young striker. However, he still made the cut for the Euros, joining fellow forwards Fabio Borini, Antonio Cassano, Toto di Natale and Sebastian Giovinco in the squad.

However, after drawing a blank in each of the first two games, he was dropped to the bench for the must-win fixture against Ireland. That was seemingly enough to revive Balotelli, who came on for the final 15 minutes and settled Italy nerves with an acrobatic volley which gave Irish goalkeeper Shay Given no chance.

A quarter-final came and went with little incident - Balotelli scored during the penalty shoot-out victory over England, but failed to beat Joe Hart in 120 minutes before then - and so it was on to the semis.