Gagli dreaming of Italian double

Lorenzo Gagli would love to see Italy win Euro 2012 the same day he wins the Irish Open. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ieLorenzo Gagli is targeting a double Italian victory that would be as fantastically bizarre as star striker Mario Balotelli.

The 26 year old from Florence is just two shots off the pace on 10 under after a sensational eight-birdie 66.

And after watching Manchester City striker Balotelli knock two goals past Germany to send Italy into tomorrow’s Euro 2012 final against Spain, he’s dreaming big.

Still on a high after Thursday’s semi-final, Gagli said: “It’s a crazy sport. You never know what you can do.

“It’s not easy to win a European Tour event but I hope can do my best, I would love to win it.”

A keen footballer, Gagli hails from the city where Italy boss Cesare Prandelli made his mark as Fiorentina boss.

And he’s convinced that the ‘Azzurri’ can beat World champions and reigning European champions Spain tomorrow.

He said: “I am surprised we made it to the final but we are good, yes? We are a great team with a lot of great players like Buffon, Pirlo.

“It’s a European final against the European and World champions so it’s not an easy match, but in the first match Italy played very well against Spain so we can do it again.

“I watched the Germany with Francesco Molinari, Andrea Pavan and Federico Colombo all together in my room in my apartment. It was a noisy room.”

Attacking Royal Portrush might be tough but Gagli believes it’s the way to stop Spain defending its title.

He said: “Did you see Balotelli? It was a great match from great players like Pirlo and Balotelli.

“What do you think of Trapattoni? He’s a legend but he plays always defensively. To win now you have to attack.”