Mario Balotelli hugs his mother at the end of the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany

Mario Balotelli has said the two goals he scored against Germany to book Italy's place in the Euro 2012 final were for his mum.

Mario Balotelli hugs his mother at the end of the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany (Picture: Twitter)

At the final whistle, the Manchester City striker embraced his adopted mother Silvia, who has taken care of him since he was two after he was born in Italy to Ghanaian immigrants.

'After the game, when I went to my mum I said "these goals are for you",' he said.

'I waited for this moment for so long and I wanted to make my mum happy.

'Tonight was the most beautiful of my life - but I hope that this Sunday is even better.'

Balotelli put Italy into the lead in the 20th minute with a powerful header from an Antonio Cassano cross.

Simply the chest: Balotelli celebrates the first of his goals (Picture: Getty)

He doubled his tally and put his side 2-0 up against Germany when he rifled in a shot from 20 yards nine minutes before before the break.

Mesut Ozil converted a late penalty to make it an exciting finish after Federico Balzaretti handled the ball in the area, but the Azzuri hung on and booked their place in the final against Spain.

Balotelli said the final on Sunday would see the two best teams of the tournament face each other.

He added: 'With Spain we are the two best teams in the tournament.

'Can we win? I'll tell you on Sunday.'