Former Italian national team coach Cesare Prandelli has praised Mario Balotelli for what he believes is a transformation in the young striker.
Prandelli’s comments come a year after the Italian admitted that selecting Balotelli for the 2014 World Cup had been a mistake on his part.
He made his more recent comments about his former pupil on Friday at Viareggio’s Festivale della Sallute.
“From what everyone at the club has said it would seem Balotelli has gained something and everyone hopes to see a different Mario.
“I consider him to be an asset of Italian football.
“Mario shocked me when he spoke of his daughter and of his missing father,” he added.
“When a guy is so public with his feelings and emotions, it means he is finally changing.”
Mario Balotelli returned to AC Milan this summer after being sold to Liverpool a year before and subsequently failing to impress in the English Premier League.
The 58-year-old former Fiorentina coach also spoke positively and negatively about other Italian players and their prospects in the game.
“[Antonio] Cassano is a fool with his own code.
“I expect a lot from [Mattia] De Sciglio, he can become a very important player.”
