Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The Young and the Restless: Balotteli episode

Was it not just the other day I wrote of the Ghanaian born Italian Balotelli?

Well, in the past few days he played for Italy in the European Under-21 Championships. The mouthwatering match-up between host nation Sweden and the Azzurrini opened with a fantastic goal from Mario Balotelli, the Inter striker collected possession just outside the top left hand side of the box, shimmied the ball onto his right peg and curled a beauty into the far corner.



But Super Mario’s joy was short-lived as the striker saw a straight red in the 37th minute for a reckless and unnecessary tackle on Pontus Wernbloom.



Down to 10-men, Italy doubled their lead in the 53rd minute. Sebastian Giovinco was the architect, the Atomic Ant winning a free-kick under the corner flag before floating a ball onto the head of Robert Acquafresca who headed in number two.

Ola Toivonen netted a late consolation for Sweden in the 89th minute.

Temper, temper, temper. Would he ever learn?
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