Cesare Prandelli: 'Mario Balotelli needs his confidence back'

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes that Mario Balotelli must regain his confidence in order to get back to his best.

Balotelli has failed to find the net in the last five games for AC Milan, as they continue to struggle in Serie A.

"He knows how to play football, he just has to get his confidence back," Prandelli told reporters.

"You have to arrive to games mentally prepared. Mario is going through a strange and delicate time, but if one has character, then you can gain more strength from this.

"Great champions have to make their team win, they have something more to give but they have to be included in the game plan."

Balotelli will be part of the Azzurri squad that will play friendlies against Germany and Nigeria next Tuesday and Friday respectively.