Italy U21 boss Ciro Ferrara intends to call up Mario Balotelli to his first squad.

The Manchester City hitman had made the step up to the Azzurri under Cesare Prandelli, but hasn't been able to play since then due to injury.

"If Prandelli doesn't call him for the Nazionale, then I will. It depends on Prandelli's decisions," Ferrara told Radio Uno.

"Balotelli was born in 1990, so qualifies for the Under-21 side, but it seems to me that he is already working at the highest level.

"In any case, if Prandelli does not feel the need to include Balotelli in his side, then I will for the Azzurrini.

"Having said that, I am sure a player like Balotelli will always be useful for Prandelli."