FIGC chief Demetrio Albertini has declared Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli the future of Italian football. Balotelli made his senior Italy debut in a 1-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast on Tuesday and was among the better performers on the night.

"Balotelli settled in well and that's a very auspicious start," said Albertini.

"He has so much quality and if he can put that to the service of the team, then he will be the future of the Nazionale.

"My only advice is to continue playing with a smile on his face and to be consistent. I hope he wants to improve still. Where he does that is down to him and Inter."