Former Italy and Juventus coach Marcello Lippi has spoken of the troubles besetting Manchester City's Italian striker Mario Balotelli.

Lippi was asked about Balotelli's continual bad behaviour, which is causing problems both at Manchester City and with the Azzurri.

"He is a talent, but is also at risk. I was listening to the radio and someone wondered whether he continued doing these Balotelli-style antics because he liked himself that way. Well, maybe that really is the truth of the situation.

"As for Serie A, Juventus have a slight advantage due to their point in the League and they are in front of Milan in direct confrontations too. In the race for third, I'd go for Lazio.

"Last season I saw myself in Massimiliano Allegri, because he is Tuscan like me, had never played or trained with a big club before and invented something new, like Thiago Silva in front of the defence.

"I like that Antonio Conte is Juventus through and through. He was already one of the leaders of my Juve side."