Mario Balotelli fired Italy into the final of Euro 2012 on Thursday night - then dedicated both goals to his mother.
The Manchester City striker scored two first-half goals to give Italy a shock 2-1 win over Germany, then went to the stands and hugged his adoptive mum Silvia after the final whistle.
Balotelli later vowed to help the Azzurri beat Spain in Sunday’s final.
He said: "What image I will take this game? Certainly after the game when I went to my mom and I said, ‘These goals are for you.’
"I waited for this moment for so long, especially since Mom came up to here and I wanted to make her happy.
"Tonight was the most beautiful of my life, but I hope that this Sunday is even better. Now we just need to rest assured and beat the Spanish.
"With Spain we are the two best teams in the tournament. Can we win? I’ll tell you on Sunday."
Balotelli, whose second strike was one of the goals of the tournament, insisted his team-mates deserved the credit.
"The first one was a really amazing pass from Antonio Cassano. When Cassano gives you an assist, it is easy," he said.
"The second one was a great pass from Montolivo. Normally I shoot in the other corner but I went for the near post."