Manchester City and Italy striker Mario Balotelli has said that Euro 2012 will provide him with the opportunity to show his talent, and prove he can keep his cool.

The controversial forward is expected to lead the line for Cesare Prandelli's side in Poland and Ukraine as the Azzurri look to win their first Euro title since 1968.

"This could be the chance of a lifetime for me," Balotelli told reporters at a press conference. "I think my season was okay. I am young, this is when one can make mistakes.

"I am not affected by the responsibility that coach Cesare Prandelli has put on me. Like [Manchester City boss] Roberto Mancini, he has put his faith in me.

"I cannot wait to repay him for that. I do not think I will ever leave him with 10 men on the field [by getting sent off]."

Balotelli then admitted that there are some similarities between himself and AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano, but dismissed reports linking him with a move to San Siro.

"Italy have a lot of good players," he noted. "Cassano and I are not the best, we are simply the most talked about.

"Antonio Di Natale, for example, is very good, and I would be happy to play on the wings to give room for him in the team.

"I play at Manchester City and I am fine there. There have been no tricks from my agent. I will stay at City."

The Premier League champions have been strongly linked with Milan defender Thiago Silva in recent days, and Balotelli thinks that the Brazilian would be a quality addition to his club.

"If Thiago Silva comes to City, we will surely be stronger," he concluded.