Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says only Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli can settle his future.
Balotelli continues to court controversy in both England and Italy with his antics.
"The future is up to him. From his up-bringing to his experiences and how he addresses problems," said Prandelli.
"I have patience for him, he is only 21 and it would be a shame to forget his potential."
The pair met with inmates of Florence's Solliciano prison.
Prandelli revealed that the inmates had a message for Balotelli: "Mario do not make mistakes. We did, you can not."
