Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has heaped praise on Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli is set to make his first Azzurri appearance since the Euro 2012 Final this evening.

"Is it wrong to keep risking with Balotelli? There's no risk," assured the Coach on RAI Sport.

"We are only trying to help this lad who has great talent, but then he has to walk alone and I think he is capable of doing it.

"This is a squad that wants to grow and work on the details. This is very comforting. History teaches us there are always going to be difficulties, but the lads want to improve and work in training on becoming a team."