Udinese striker Antonio di Natale has heaped praise on Italy teammate Mario Balotelli.

Manchester City ace Balotelli ended the Euros as the joint top scorer thanks to his three strikes which included a stunning brace for Italy against Germany in the semi-finals.

"Mamma mia, Balotelli is potentially a phenomenon," the Udinese striker told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "He has pace, power and an incredible right foot.

"He needs to play a bit more for the team and needs to improve in his off-the-ball movement, but if he understands the qualities he has then he can win the Ballon d'Or.

"I spoke to him a lot during the tournament and he asked me a lot of questions because he said that I know where the goal is.

"Goals are what are on his mind…"