Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is counting on Mario Balotelli to inspire them to victory over Champions League opponents Villarreal.

Super Mario may be only 21 but is a Champions League veteran and has already won it with Inter Milan in 2010.

Now City boss Mancini hopes he will breathe new life into their campaign for the second half of the group stage.

He said: "Mario is going strong and I am convinced that this time it will last. He will be our weapon in the Champions League. He knows the Champions League from his time with Inter.

"It's an important competition for him because it's the first game after his ban."