EURO 2012 LIVE: Germany vs. Italy

WARSAW, POLAND (AP) - Germany plays Italy Thursday with a place in the final of Euro 2012 at stake. Follow the action here. All times are Polish.

___

2107: It was coming! Cassano wriggles free from two defenders on the left and puts over a perfect cross for Balotelli to head in from close range.

___

2106: GOAL! Germany 0, Italy 1 (Balotelli)

___

2104: Good effort from Montolivo from outside the box, but Neuer dives to his right and gets both hands on the shot. A minute later, Cassano tries an ambitious effort from a similar distance but that one is more comfortable for Neuer. The Italians are having a good spell here.

___

2100: Two saves in as many minutes from Buffon to keep the Germans at bay. An uncharacteristic spill, though, from the Italian goalkeeper in the first attempt. But he got away with it.

___

2057: It’s been a good opening, with both teams going on the attack and some half chances in both goalmouths. Balotelli looking lively, but the question is whether he can be more accurate in front of goal compared to the game against England.

___

2052: Great chance for Germany, but Hummels’ header is cleared off the line by Pirlo, the ball bouncing straight back into a grateful Buffon’s hands.

___

2050: Some early encouragement for the Italians, with Balotelli close to getting on the end of a pass into the box from Montolivo.

___

2045: Italy gets the match underway. Both teams in their “home” kit tonight, the Italians in blue and white, Germany in white and black. A big atmosphere building, with the Germans outnumbering their Italian opposition in the stands. A big Polish turnout, too.

___

2030: Just 15 minutes until kickoff in the second semifinal of Euro 2012. For Italy, Giorgio Chiellini returns from injury at left back and Federico Balzaretti moves over to right back in place of Ignazio Abate, who exited the last match with a muscle problem in his left leg. For Germany, striker Mario Gomez reclaims his starting place.

___

2030: Germany: Manuel Neuer, Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Philipp Lahm, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski.

Italy: Gianluigi Buffon, Federico Balzaretti, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi, Claudio Marchisio, Riccardo Montolivo, Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano.