Euro 2012: Silva and Balotelli progress

Mario Balotelli scored Italy’s second last night to seal their progression into the quarter-final stages.

Axed from the starting line-up, he produced a stunning overhead kick from a corner to put the Italians two goals ahead and build on Antonio Cassano’s first half opener.

It was not the happiest evening for Balotelli though as he was replaced in the starting line-up by Antonio di Natale. David Silva’s Spanish side progressed as group winners courtesy of a second half from Jesus Navas. It was nervy at times for Spain with the game goalless and knowing a Crotian goal could potentially knock them out.

Both Spain and Italy move onto the quarter-final stages where they will face the Group D runners-up and winners respectively – with England potentially occupying one of the positions.