Manchester City's madcap striker Mario Balotelli is to become a father.

The 21-year-old has been told by his pregnant former girlfriend Raffaella Fico that it is his child.

He was told on the eve of the match against Germany when he grabbed a brace to book his country's place in the final. He reportedly told her: 'You gave me the best news of the world.'

And Italian model Raffaella has claimed that the pair are patching up their relationship.

She said: "Mario and I are rebuilding our relationship. He never stopped loving me. Those who think I've wanted to trap the rich and famous footballer will have to think again.

"Last Christmas, he told me: 'Let's get married and make a son' and I accepted. Now I'm waiting for Mario to discover the sex of the child, although he would prefer a boy, and to choose the name."