Ancelotti backs Balotelli move

Balotelli: Told he would suit England

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Mario Balotelli would be perfectly suited to the English game.

The Inter Milan striker has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with both Manchester clubs said to be in the running for the 19-year-old.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini handed Balotelli his first-team debut for Inter in December 2007 and admitted last week he would be interested in making a bid.

Now neighbours United have emerged as potential suitors and, asked if Balotelli would fit into Sir Alex Ferguson's squad, Ancelotti told Sky Sport 24: "It's a team that has a great tradition and brings out the characteristics of this type of player."

Balotelli scored nine goals in 26 league appearances for Inter last season, although only 13 were starts.

The Italy Under 21 international fell out of favour with coach Jose Mourinho and was even booed by Inter fans following a disappointing performance in their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Character

But Ancelotti feels the English game would bring the best out of Balotelli, adding: "I think so. Here the atmosphere is different.

"I think a player with this type of character would be better suited here than with respect to Italy.

"It's difficult to find a young player with this quality. Even England struggles to find a player at this level."

Chelsea's main transfer target this summer is thought to be Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, but asked if he would like to coach Balotelli, Ancelotti replied: "Yes."

Balotelli is under contract with Inter for another three seasons so the Italian champions would demand a sizeable fee if they are to sell this summer.