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Azzurri will back Balotelli

Image: Balotelli: Trying to mend his ways

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli claims he is prepared to help Mario Balotelli fulfil his potential.

Prandelli vows to help striker respond positively to his mistakes

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli claims he is prepared to help Mario Balotelli fulfil his potential. The Azzurri boss has left the fiery Manchester City striker out of his latest squad, ahead of a Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia on Friday. He is adamant that the youngster remains in his thoughts, though, with it decided that a break was probably best for him at this time. Balotelli continues to wrestle with his personal demons, with a red card for City in their recent Europa League exit against Dynamo Kiev another example of his volatile temper. The 20-year-old has vowed to change his ways in the wake of that dismissal and Prandelli believes the former Inter Milan forward is still destined to have a long and successful career, both domestically and internationally. "For Mario the important thing is that he thinks about his mistakes," he told RaiSport. "He's aware of this problem and he's sorry for it, he's asked for help and we will stay close to him to help him with his development."

Rebuilding

Italy are determined to bring the best out of Balotelli as he is the brightest star to have joined their side for some time. The conveyor belt of talent which once churned out potential world-beaters on a regular basis has slowed considerably, with Prandelli admitting that the country needs to go back to basics if they are to remain on a par with their European rivals. "The moment has come for us to have faith in the former greats of our football and learn from them," he said. "My instruction is to work, work, work and I sincerely believe in rebuilding. "I don't think it's incredible the huge number of talents that Slovenia are producing, nothing is incredible if you programme and cultivate your ideas about football."

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