Italy are becoming increasingly dependent on Mario Balotelli and head coach Cesare Prandelli knows it. He lavished praise on his centre forward, who netted a brace against Malta last night. "When you've got a talent like Balotelli you just need to show a bit of patience. The time comes when that talent has to take responsibility and learn to walk by himself. And now is the time for Mario. Credit to him for his calm attitude, his belief and his ability."
HOMAGE —
Prandelli also revealed a wish of his: a special game, Italy v Argentina, as a homage to the new Pope, a big football fan. "Messi's Argentina are the only big national team that we haven't faced yet, it would take us full circle. It would also be a way to pay homage to the new Pope. If we could make it happen, it would be great to meet him and then travel to the stadium – both teams in the same bus together."
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