Prandelli: Balotelli on 'the road to maturity'

Mario Balotelli will lead Italy's attack in their friendly in Poland tonight after Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli praised the striker for showing greater maturity.

The Manchester City player, in and out of the team as Italy easily qualified for Euro 2012, was selected by Prandelli along side Inter's Giampaolo Pazzini in a new-look attack.

"Balotelli has an amazing future ahead of him but he mustn't feel the weight of responsibility," Prandelli said. "It doesn't depend on one game for him. He has no need to try to score lots of goals. He seems at ease and on the road to maturity. It's no coincidence that he's doing brilliantly for his club."

PA