Italy manager Cesare Prandelli believes that Mario Balotelli is starting to realise his potential after his match-winning performance against Malta.

The AC Milan striker netted a brace to earn the Azzurri a 2-0 victory in Ta' Qali on Tuesday night to open up a three-point gap at the top of Group B.

The 22-year-old was heavily taunted by the Maltese fans on the night, but Prandelli feels that the former Manchester City forward is getting used to the abuse.

"He just needs to get used to that kind of thing," Prandelli told FIGC.it.

"He has to stay strong and keep his cool when people are trying to wind him up, like he did tonight."

Balotelli has scored 10 goals in his last nine games for club and country.