Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli is expected to be handed his Italy debut against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday night.
The 19-year old is tipped to step into the Azzurri's starting line-up under new boss Cesare Prandelli at Upton Park and then is widely tipped to join Manchester City later in the week.
Prandelli confirmed Balotelli was in his thoughts for the Ivory Coast friendly.
"The idea of starting Balotelli is that I want to use all the attacking potential at my disposal," he said.
