Italian Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete hails Mario Balotelli following his impressive performance against Poland.
Manchester City striker hitting headlines for right reason
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete has hailed striker Mario Balotelli following his impressive performance against Poland in a friendly international on Friday.
The Manchester City striker scored his first goal for the Italy national team in their 2-0 win at the Stadion Miejski in Wrocław and was also involved in his team's second.
Balotelli, rated as one of the more promising young Italian players, is often criticised for his attitude and temperament, but Abete insists that he and his colleagues always had faith in the 21-year-old.
"It is wonderful to have players like Balotelli in the squad, as he has exceptional qualities," he enthused.
"I am very happy that he scored his first senior goal for the Nazionale and that everyone around him, from his teammates to the fans, have faith in Balotelli."
Father & Son
Balotelli will be back in action on Tuesday when Italy host Uruguay at Rome's Stadio Olimpico in another friendly encounter, but although his father is proud of him, he admits that he would not be able to make the trip.
"Mario is urging me and my wife to come and see him in Rome," Franco Balotelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I am 82 years old, so journeys are difficult for me, but I promised to visit him soon in Manchester. He's earned it."
He further enthused: "Mario phoned me straight after the game [against Poland] and his first question was as always: 'How did I play, Dad?'
"I replied: 'This time I give you eight out of 10. Not for the goal, but because you played for the team. Well done.'"
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