Italy U21 boss Pierluigi Casiraghi has declared Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli is destined for greatness. "Mario is part of those elite players who are destined to be champions," claimed Casiraghi.

"He has enormous potential. I believe he has a chance to step closer to La Nazionale. I don't know when because it will be up to Marcello Lippi."

Regarding the behavioural problems affecting the youngster, the former Chelsea man is optimistic.

"He has a strong temper of his own, it's right this way because he has a personality," noted Casiraghi.

"But he has to understand that he is part of a team and a group of players. He is just 18 and we need to understand that.

"For his age it's difficult to find a player of that quality. I was genuinely impressive by him."