Italy coach Roberto Mancini admits Brescia striker Mario Balotelli is blowing his career.

Balotelli is being dumped by Brescia after a bust-up with management.

“I care for him, regardless of all the things he does," Mancini told RAI Sport.

“I trained him when he was still just a kid, I played him and he was extraordinary for any years. My hope is that he will do something to change all this, as he's still only 30 years old and would be at the peak of his football maturity.

“I hope one day he wakes up and realises he's still throwing his talent away. Mario is an extraordinary lad, so kind and polite. I have explained to him many times that he is throwing his talent away, because his potential is remarkable."