Prandelli - Mario must deliver

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli wants Mario Balotelli to make headlines on the pitch not off it at next month's European Championships.

Time for Balotelli to attract the right attention, says Italy manager

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli wants Mario Balotelli to make headlines on the pitch not off it at next month's European Championships. The 21-year-old Manchester City forward has been included in Prandelli's squad despite several controversial moments over the past season. But Prandelli, who is desperately light of striking options in the wake of Giuseppe Rossi's injury, has made it clear that Balotelli is on probation. "In my opinion, he has to see it as an extraordinary occasion for him as it is for the national side," said Prandelli. "It is a time for him to be written about for what he does on the pitch and not what he has done off it." Prandelli also admitted that he does not see Italy winning the tournament but is focused instead on restoring pride after Italy became the first defending champions to go out in the World Cup finals group stages in 2010. "We are not going to win Euro, but I like to say that the Italians know how to surprise," said the 54-year-old, who replaced Marcello Lippi after the 2010 World Cup debacle. "I would like to show that the team has at least worked well and which is arriving at this Euro knowing it is experiencing a unique moment with a smile on its lips." Italy have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Spain, 2008 quarter-finalists Croatia and the Republic of Ireland and get their campaign underway on June 10th against the Spaniards.