His strikes saw off Germany and sent Italy through to face Spain on Sunday.

"This was the greatest night of my life and I hope Sunday will be better," Balotelli said.

"At the end of the game I went to my mother - that was the best moment.

"I told her these goals were for her. I waited a long time for this moment, especially as my mother is not young anymore and can't travel far, so I had to make her happy when she came all the way here. My father will be in Kiev for the final too."