Cassano, Balotelli score as Italy beats Ireland 2-0, qualifies for Euro 20120 quarterfinals
Andrew Dampf
Italy's Antonio Cassano celebrates after scoring a goal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group C match between Italy and the Republic of Ireland in Poznan, Poland, Monday, June 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
June 18, 2012 - 4:44 PM
POZNAN, Poland - Italy qualified for the quarterfinals of the European Championship after Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli scored in each half in a 2-0 victory over Ireland on Monday.
Cassano headed in with his back to the goal by the near post following a corner kick in the 35th minute on a warm and muggy night at the Municipal Stadium Poznan.
Substitute Balotelli scored in the second half.
Italy controlled the match for long stretches but Ireland — coached by former Azzurri skipper Giovanni Trapattoni — threatened often with counterattacks.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012