Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is fast turning himself into a first-choice for Italy.

Balotelli will start for the Azzurri against Uruguay.

"I'll evaluate the situation," said coach Cesare Prandelli. "The idea is to use Balotelli again. Pablo Daniel Osvaldo? He can play, as he has the same chances as the others.

"Balotelli is an atypical, modern striker, as he can play both on the wing and as a centre-forward. If he plays alongside Pazzini, Osvaldo or Alessandro Matri, it changes little.

"It would've been very interesting to see him partnered by Sebastian Giovinco."