Nantes coach Claudio Ranieri has called on Italy to recall Nice striker Mario Balotelli.

The former AC Milan forward has shone in France this season with Nice.

And Ranieri says: "Balotelli in Azzurri? I do not know, but seeing him here I say that he makes the difference in France, since we need to find a goleador, I think that Mario needs to have a test to demonstrate, or not, his maturity."

Ranieri was also asked about Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon.

"The future of Buffon? Gigi has a charisma and an intelligence above average. He will hang up the boots and will know where - if it's the national team or Juventus."