Carlo - Mario a crazy talent

Hot-headed striker set to join City this summer

By James Dall   Last updated: 30th July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Carlo - Mario a crazy talent

Balotelli: Backed by Ancelotti

SKY SPORTS ON SKY
There's more live football on Sky Sports than ever before, including the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Clydesdale Bank Premier League, England away Euro 2012 qualifiers and La Liga. With four live Sky Sports channels, as well as Sky Sports News, you'll never miss a moment on Sky. Click here for more.

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Manchester City will challenge for the Premier League title should they complete the signing of Mario Balotelli.

The hot-headed striker looks set to link-up with ex-Inter boss Roberto Mancini at Eastlands amid suggestions that a £25million deal is nearing completion.

Balotelli's temperament has been called into question, but Ancelotti feels the 19-year-old could spearhead a title charge for City.

He said: "With him, Manchester City will challenge for the title, not just fourth.

"The Premier League is ideal place for him. Mario is a crazy talent."

Ancelotti added in La Stampa newspaper: "There is too much pressure on young players in Italy but there is almost no racism to contend with in England."

Balotelli, who is capped for Italy Under 21s, joined Inter from Lumezzane in 2007 and has netted 20 times in 59 league appearances for the Serie A champions.

Meanwhile, Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, is reportedly holding talks with City over agreeing personal terms.

Raiola said: "We are in a delicate phase of the negotiation. There is not an agreement. But I continue working without hurry."

Barclays Premier League. Click here to bet.