MARIO Balotelli helped fire Italy into the quarter-finals as 10-man Ireland finished their Euro 2012 campaign pointless.Antonio Cassano put the Azzurri into a first-half lead as his header from Andrea Pirlo’s corner crossed the line before Damien Duff could hook clear.That looked to be all the Italians were going to get as the much-improved Republic pushed hard for a leveller as the game wore on.But Keith Andrews was sent off for a second yellow card and substitute Balotelli sealed victory with a last-minute acrobatic overhead kick.It looked for a long time that the Italians would go through as Group C winners but Jesus Navas’ late winner against Croatia sent Spain top.Ireland, meanwhile, finished rock bottom having been unable to produce a moment for their fans to saviour on the 18th anniversary of their famous win against Italy in the 1994 World Cup.Ireland departed without a point to their name but with song from their supporters in their ears.
