Italy coach Cesare Prandelli stands by his decision to leave out Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli for the friendly against the USA.

Balotelli's omission makes his selection for Euro 2012 a doubt, with former Chelsea and Swansea striker Fabio Borini earning a first call-up in his stead.

"He (Balotelli) still seems a little agitated to me," Prandelli said. "When I say we have to reach the European Championship prepared, I mean I don't want to get there with a squad who don't know how to manage tension and provocation.

"I don't want to see players who at the first sign of difficulty commit fouls and get sent off, leaving their teammates to struggle with 10 men. So we have a few months to think about it."