Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is fit for their crucial Euros clash with the Republic of Ireland.

Balotelli picked up an injury on Saturday, but appears to have shaken it off.

"Mario is much better than yesterday and we'll see how he does in training today. If he trains, then he'll certainly be available," said Prandelli.

"I don't make choices just for no reason when I wake up in the morning. When you choose certain players, you have to take into account the system. It must always be elastic, balanced and reasoned. That means picking the players who suit that system. Every time I make a choice, it is carefully pondered.

"We haven't just been sleeping, woke up and decided to change three defenders. We have been working every day for a month!"