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Come Fan with UsFriday, June 26, 2026

Spain Vs. Italy, Euro 2012: Of Course Mario Balotteli Doesn’t Get The Penalty Given

Steven McManaman apparently thinks it's just fine for forwards to abuse goalkeepers inside the penalty area. Iker Casillas was "dilly-dallying", in Macca's words, and in that case, it's socially acceptable for Antonio Cassano to nick him across the ankle. That's what football is all about, yeah? None of this slow passing nonsense.

Then came a spell of pressure from Italy, with Cassno letting in a shot from the left side of the box. As Mario Balotelli chased the loose ball, Gerard Pique came across the Italian striker, tripping him up in a move that certainly looked as though it might have been a foul. Inside the area. But the day that SuperMario gets a foul called against him, well, that's worth an entire update on its own.

Italy are getting closer and closer, though. A gorgeous strike from Claudio Marchisio, thirty yards out, forced a save from Casillas. Oh, and Balotelli picked up a yellow. Collect your bets now.

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