Big break for Balotelli

The Manchester City striker has been among the goals domestically this season and will get the opportunity to open his Azzurri account when he lines up against Poland and Uruguay in upcoming friendlies.

Italy are set to turn to Balotelli for attacking inspiration after seeing Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi sidelined.

AC Milan forward Cassano recently underwent a minor heart operation while Villarral frontman Rossi is nursing a knee injury.

Their absence has opened the door for Balotelli and his national coach is hoping the 21-year-old will make the most of his opportunity.

"From the very beginning I tried to place Balotelli in between Rossi and Cassano," he told Rai Sport.

"Now he is in and the others are out and Mario will have a great opportunity to show his value. We have a lot of faith in him."

Value

One man Prandelli has opted to overlook for Italy's forthcoming fixtures is Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale.

The 34-year-old has not figured for his country since the 2010 World Cup, leading some to suggest that his international career is over.

Prandelli has refuted those reports, though, and claims the experienced forward will come back into his thoughts when the Azzurri return to competitive action.

"There is no need to call up Di Natale for these games," he said.

"We are aware of his value and he does not need to prove anything. I do consider Di Natale's return."