Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has lifted the lid on Mario Balotelli after admitting he and the rest of his squad are still coming to terms with the controversial striker’s erratic behaviour.
The Manchester City forward scored his second International goal against Republic of Ireland on Monday but a typically emotive response has been criticised by the Italian public and he’s yet to fully convince them after unpredictable performances against Spain and Croatia.
According to the Independent Prandelli is still trying to assess his conduct.
“I have no idea if he was giving vent to his feelings about being named on the bench for the Ireland game.
“I don’t know if the words were directed at me and I haven’t asked him about it because I don’t want to spoil the moment for him. But his 20 minutes against Ireland were his best of the tournament.”
Prandelli’s pragmatic approach is centred on keeping Balotelli grounded because he knows how vital the forward can be if he remains focused and doesn’t destabilise the team’s harmony with his petulance.
“The spirit of the squad is important.
“All the players here have to give it their all. Nobody in our team wishes him ill; he has to understand that we are here to help him become a true champion.
“Look, Mario is a golden boy but he has to make a real jump in quality if he is going to become a champion. He has got to learn to accept criticism or a place on the bench – and, if he doesn’t, the squad is going to become a little more closed off to him.”
By Alex Churcher