Italy coach Cesare Prandelli admits he was "hurt" by Mario Balotelli for putting Manchester City ahead of the Azzurri last month.

Balotelli was among six players recalled by Prandelli for the qualifying double-header after missing games against Malta and Bulgaria last month as he recovered from eye surgery.

"I tell you the truth, when he decided to undergo surgery just two weeks before his commitments to the national team, there was hurt," Prandelli told a press conference.

"We now need to understand if he wants to become a champion. The blue shirt is a wonderful thing for all players.

"I had some thoughts (about dropping him), but then I thought of the games he has played for his country and I was comforted."