Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini fears Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli could go the same way as Adriano.

Mancini worked with Balotelli at Manchester City and Inter.

He lamented: "I think he's doing his very best at Liverpool. It's all up to him. He is still young, he has the strength to get back up.

"As for his head, well... he does have to find that. After leaving City he became weaker in every aspect of the game.

"I was convinced he could do well in Milan, but that was not the case. I have no clue what his medicine could be, but anyone coaching him should be paid double - a Balotelli indemnity.

"He risks ending up like Adriano. Maybe for different reasons, but that's what he could end up like."

Adriano's career in Europe was cut short by mental health and fitness problems.

Of Balotelli's time at Inter, Mancini was positive.

"In the Inter shirt with me he was a boy, he would have done anything, even cleaning the locker rooms."