Prandellli happy with 'focused' Balotelli
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli stated that he has been impressed with how Mario Balotelli has remained focused at new club AC Milan.
By FOX Sports Staff
The temperamental striker joined Milan in the January transfer window and has scored seven goals for the Rossoneri in the Serie A.
Unlike his time in England with Manchester City, Balotelli has remained out of the headlines and has become notable for his performances instead of any peculiar antics.
This has given Prandelli hope that Balotelli has turned a new leaf and become a player worth relying upon in future games.
"His [Balotelli's] greatest achievement is now he is remaining focused for long stretches of the game," Prandelli told reporters. "It is extraordinary that he is continuing doing this at Milan."
"He is training better, with more attention to detail too because he knows he has to play that way in the national team."
The Azzurri are next in action against Brazil for a midweek friendly before taking on Malta for a World Cup qualifier next week.
Prandelli is more interested in seeing how his players fare against the South American giants and called on his side to not dismiss the importance of the match even if it is not a competitive fixture.
"We would like to face Brazil with great joy and great peace of mind, but I know that we Italians are not like that," Prandelli continued.
"The idea is to face Brazil as if it were a qualifying match, like the one with Malta. We cannot waste time in preparing for nerves in the match against Brazil - they inspire awe.
"We must not be afraid, but we forget will Malta for now. This means there will be no experiments."
Torino's Alessio Cerci has also been called up to the first-team squad and Prandelli paid tribute to the 25-year-old's development.
"He has brought consistency to his good performances in recent years. [Torino coach Giampiero] Ventura thinks he is managing to convey [skill] for the right reasons.
"He is an interesting guy with a great shot and excellent attacking ability. We wanted to start a journey with him, as we are thinking of using two wingers on the flanks in the future."