Former Italy boss Marcello Lippi believes Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli can become the national team's main man.
World Cup-winning manager Lippi did not take the 21-year old to the 2010 tournament purely because the City star did not deserve a spot in the squad but feels he has made enough improvement to become a key contributor for Cesare Prandelli.
"Balotelli? I said in South Africa that he would have a future with the national team, but I never picked him because he did not deserve a call," Lippi told Sky Sport Italia.
"He could not even do well for the under-21 side at the time. But now he has improved and he can become the focal point for Cesare Prandelli."
