Last Updated: 01st July 2012
MARIO BALOTELLI is set to become Mario BaloTELLY tonight.
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A record 250million viewers worldwide are expected to watch the Italy striker try to spank Spain in the Euro 2012 final in Kiev.
That figure will include an incredible 25million in the UK — the highest-ever viewing figure here for a European Championship clash and the third- highest UK TV audience for a football match.
Broadcasting chiefs insist it is the displays of madcap Manchester City striker Balo which have caught the imagination of the armchair fans.
An industry source said: “The audience figures for Euro 2012 have been much better than expected. We feared many viewers would give it a miss.
“England’s display in qualifying from their group and the emergence of the Italians has resonated with fans across the UK.
“There is no doubt the ‘Balotelli factor’ has played a major part in the rising audience figures.
“I don’t think the viewers know what he will do next — and that makes for great television.”
Official ratings already achieved by Euro 2012 matches suggest the final viewing figure will beat the 237million who saw Spain’s title-winning victory against Germany four years ago.
The biggest audience for a football match in the UK remains the 32.5million who watched England triumph in the 1966 World Cup final.
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