Down and out: Italy will hope that Balotelli puts more effort in when he plays against England in Kiev

Defender Leonardo Bonucci came to the rescue, covering Balotelli's mouth with his hand. Prandelli's other big decision concerns his defence in the absence of injured centre half Giorgio Chiellini.

There were suggestions that he may revert to a three-man rearguard but in training yesterday he lined up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Balotelli and Antonio Cassano in attack.

'Balotelli will want to put one over on England,' said England coach Gary Neville. 'He'll be tough to play against but there will be no surprises for Joleon Lescott.
'The same goes for John Terry who will have played against him.'

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