Inter Milan legend Beppe Bergomi insists Mario Balotelli is good enough for Marcello Lippi's Italy squad now.

The 19-year-old has been criticised a lot so far this season both for his performances on the pitch and in training.

But Bergomi says: "He is very ready! Balotelli is the true world-beater at Inter. But he has to improve his character seeing that Lippi holds the spirit of the group in very high regard.

"He has to inserted himself into the group calmly and be accepted by the veterans. Balo is the strongest out of everyone!

"There is no comparison with all the other Italian strikers. He is an extraordinary talent."