MX23RW : Thursday, January 16 19:41:31| >> :120:3984:3984:

Cesare Prandelli wants Mario Balotelli to be "ruthless"

Prandelli urges Balotelli to improve
© PA Photos
Cesare Prandelli hints that Mario Balotelli may have to sit out of Italy's final Group C clash against the Republic of Ireland after a mismatched campaign.

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has hinted that he could drop striker Mario Balotelli from the Azzurri's starting lineup against the Republic of Ireland.

The controversial Manchester City frontman has started both Group C matches up front for Italy but has failed to find the net in both clashes, which ended in 1-1 draws.

"He has huge potential, but he needs to improve," said Prandelli. "He needs to be more ruthless and pay more attention. These are the areas he needs to improve."

The 21-year-old could make way for Antonio Di Natale when they take on Ireland next week as the Italians desperately search for points in order to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

ID:30961: cacheID:30961:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1228:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Mario Balotelli, Darijo Srna
Read Next:
In Pictures: Euro 2012 - Italy 1-1 Croatia
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool20145148202847
2Arsenal21127241192243
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest21125430201041
4Newcastle UnitedNewcastle21115537221538
5Chelsea21107441261537
6Manchester CityMan City2110563829935
7Aston Villa2110563132-135
8Bournemouth219753225734
9Fulham217953230230
10Brentford218494037328
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham217592741-1426
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs21731143321124
14Crystal Palace215972328-524
15Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
16Everton203891526-1117
17Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2144133148-1716
19Leicester CityLeicester2135132346-2314
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!