The Italy coach refuted any suggestions that playing the Man City forward was a gamble.

“When I talk about Balotelli, I do not like the suggestion he is a gamble, but the moment has certainly come for him to take his share of responsibility in an Italy shirt,” said Prandelli.

“Many people are often defined by what you see on the surface and by their public image.

“I say that from now on the Balotelli in an Azzurri jersey has to be the one we saw at San Siro against the Danes.

“I want a Nazionale that is always targeting an improvement, even if I’d like to have more time to try out some young players.”