Italy legend Gigi Riva says the World Cup has come too soon for Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

The Azzurri's all-time leading goal scorer has urged Balotelli to focus on his development with the Italy U21s.

Riva told TMW: "Balotelli must play and think in a determined way for the Under 21s and then later we'll see.

"It's a pain - the way you want Cassano, then Balotelli, then later there will be someone else. But on the other hand, it's the same every year."