Cesare Prandelli: Has put his faith in Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli ahead of Euro 2012

Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli has put his trust in controversial Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

The former Roma and Fiorentina boss has previously been wary of picking the 21-year-old for the national side following his indiscipline in the Premier League.

However, the veteran tactician now believes the Manchester City player is more focused and determined to help the Azzurri at the European Championship this summer.

"When I heard Balotelli say that he will not leave Italy down to 10 men, I believed him 100 per cent," Prandelli said to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There is a great atmosphere in the team and there is a big awareness that something significant can be achieved.

"The players know this is an exceptional opportunity for them, they are taking responsibility and they will not fail."

Quality

Prandelli has also hinted he may consider taking all six of his selected forwards to Poland and Ukraine in the hope of lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy for the first time since 1968.

Joining Balotelli in the party are Milan's Antonio Cassano, Roma's Fabio Borini, Mattia Destro of Siena, Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale and Parma's Sebastian Giovinco.

"All of the six strikers have truly touched me," he said. "They have quality and are modern strikers.

"They all deserve to be here.

"If we keep all six, then we will sacrifice a defender."