MAGNIFICO! Italy’s Mario Balotelli (front) prepares to score his team’s second goal yesterday in a 2-0 triumph over Ireland that vaulted the Italians into the Euro 2012 quarterfinals. (AP)
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POZNAN, Poland — There were no tears for Antonio Cassano this time, just joy.
Seven months after a scary episode of stroke-like symptoms, Cassano scored the decisive goal when Italy beat Ireland 2-0 yesterday to reach the European Championship quarterfinals.
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 Mario Balotelli doubled the lead in the 90th, a minute after Ireland was reduced to 10 men when Keith Andrews got his second yellow card.
Still, Italy had to wait a few moments after the final whistle to celebrate after receiving word that Spain beat Croatia 1-0 in the other Group C match.
The victory ended a five-match winless streak for Italy, which began the tournament with 1-1 draws against Spain and Croatia following three friendly losses.
“The victory was something we struggled for but the most important thing was to get through the group,” Cassano said. “We Italians are used to suffering but we always give our best,” Cassano said.
Cassano fell ill with stroke-like symptoms on AC Milan’s team plane in October and then required minor heart surgery. He was out for five months and has said repeatedly that he thought he might never recover.