AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy has insisted that he and Mario Balotelli can play together, dismissing suggestions from some sections of the Italian press that they are too similar.
Balotelli joined the Italian club from Manchester City on transfer deadline day and has scored three goals in two Serie A starts.
"I think we are getting too much criticism and we need time to develop an understanding as we have only played two games together," he told Milan Channel.
"We have to improve certain aspects of our game but I do not think that we are incompatible because I set up Mario for a goal against Udinese and we have been combining well in training."
El Shaarawy has scored 15 goals in 24 Serie A matches so far this season.