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The 21-year-old is not desperate to score in the final as long as his team triumph, and says he is sure that Manchester City fans will forgive him for helping knock England out

Mario Balotelli has stressed that his Premier League success with Manchester City means defeat in the Euro 2012 final with Italy would not signal a personal failure.

Cesare Prandelli's men beat the much-fancied Germans 2-1 in their semi-final, with the 21-year-old netting an impressive double to set up a final against reigning champions Spain.

The Premier League forward is now hoping to emulate his goal-scoring form in the clash on Sunday, but insists that his country winning the trophy is more important than his own return.

"The City fans always want me, even though they are British - and I have helped eliminate their national team"

"If we win and I score, it will be amazing," he told reporters. "If I don't score and we win it will still be amazing.

"I am really happy at the moment and on Sunday I hope I will be even happier.

"We are in the final. We are one of the two best teams in the tournament. We have to go there and play to win."

The Italian has already picked up major domestic honours with City in the 2011-12 campaign, winning the Premier League on a dramatic final day, and expressed his belief that the success of his season does not ride on Sunday's final.

"We won the league at Manchester City so having a good season for me doesn't depend on winning the Euros," the former Inter man continued.

"If we don't win it, it wouldn't spoil the other things but it would be special."

The Italian was brought off against Germany after suffering from cramp, but is likely to recover in time to start against Vicente del Bosque's side and club-mate David Sliva.

Italy have already played out a 1-1 draw with La Roja in the group stages and the striker is looking forward to facing the midfielder once more.

"I know David very well," he said.

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"I played against him in the first game. It is going to be fun."

Balotelli has already divided opinions amongst English football fans with his attitude on and off the field and, after scoring one of the penalties which knocked the Three Lions out, questions have been raised over how he will be received upon his return to England.

However, he remained adamant that he will continue to play for Roberto Mancini's men: "Come back [to Italy] now? I go back to Manchester.

"The City fans always want me, even though they are British - and I have helped eliminate their national team."