Box office: But does Balotelli have the temperament to be a truly world-class player?

Great players love their time on the training field. Ask the Manchester United players about Cantona's obsession with improving and Sir Alex Ferguson told me that Ronaldo would spend hours on the training ground mastering his art.

Balotelli, by comparison, seems to want a row every day. If he uses the maturity of his performance against Germany - and it's a big if - as the launchpad for his season and the rest of his career, he is an incredible talent.

Mancini talked about him being a world star and I disagreed strongly at the time. I'm still not convinced, although he is having a good tournament. Now all eyes are on him for the final tomorrow and he needs to keep his emotions in check and continue to play his football.

Spain will be wary of him and, if Italy can retain possession, he will get chances. He could end up topping the bill, if he can keep his temper and frustration under control. If not, who knows what will happen?

He's certainly becoming box office. But I hope he doesn't waste his talent. I wish him well.
Excuse me if I'm not ready yet to put him in the same bracket as Cantona, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. I will delay my judgment on that, if you don't mind.

Let's see how long he can go without pressing the self-destruct button.

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