Intro:

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli talked on Tuesday (19 June) about their 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland the previous evening and commented on his striker Mario Balotelli.

Script:

Advancing to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 isn't the only positive news for Italy.

Now, the Azzurri strikers are also starting to score.

Both Antonio Cassano and substitute Mario Balotelli found the target on Monday in the 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland which booked Italy's place in the last eight of the European Championship.

Balotelli acrobatically volleyed home the second goal, but appeared angry upon scoring and began to shout out before team mate Leonardo Bonucci covered his mouth.

However coach Cesare Prandelli was impressed with the Manchester City forward's performance.

SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Cesare Prandelli, Italy coach:

"(Mario Balotelli) walked in and did what we asked him to do. I asked him to play among the two central defenders, in line with Alessandro (Diamanti), and to eventually block the action of the two defenders, and give weight to our attack. And he did that well, aware of his role and his duties. About smiling or not smiling after a goal, it must be something natural, it cannot be staged, feelings must be spontaneous".

As runners-up in Group C, Italy play the winners of Group D - likely to be either France or England.

Italy also reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2008, losing to eventual winners Spain on penalties.