Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is ready to make his mark with Italy this week.

The Azzurri are turning to Balotelli for inspiration with Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal) and Antonio Cassano (AC Milan) both sidelined for six months.

Asked at Wednesday's national team press conference whether he felt more pressure because Cassano and Rossi were not involved at the moment, Balotelli said: "I always have pressure but I don't feel it.

"The coach expects a lot from me even with Rossi and Cassano in the team.

"We are all strong and in the future, we can enter the history books together.

"But I'm ready to assume the responsibility, I've always been ready.

"Perhaps there are people that think otherwise."