Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano is a big fan of Italy teammate Mario Balotelli.

Cassano had words of praise for the next generation, as Manchester City's Balotelli reminds many of his younger and more fiery days.

He said: "I don't need to take him under my wing. He is a fantastic, lively, funny guy and everyone needs to just leave him in peace.

"He is only 20 years old. Let us try to bring out of him what he can give to the Nazionale."

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