Prandelli pleased with Mario

Azzurri boss happy City striker off the mark

Last Updated: November 12, 2011 7:52pm

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Mario Balotelli: Italy boss Cesare Prandelli delighted City striker has his first Azzurri goal

Sky Bet

Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli admitted his delight after Mario Balotelli broke his international scoring duck in Friday's 2-0 victory over Poland.

Balotelli scored on his sixth cap for the Azzurri and made the headlines for the right reason after a run of negative publicity.

Prandelli is confident the 21-year-old Manchester City striker can become a key player for Italy.

Happy

"After all the criticism he has received in these months it's right that he should enjoy this moment," Prandelli said. "I'm happy to have him because he is important for this project.

"I would not be unhappy at all if Italy became dependent on him.

"Mario has in him the ability to have performances like that. His attitude was great throughout the 90 minutes."