Diego Maradona praises Mario Balotelli

Former Argentina attacker Diego Maradona has praised the form of Italy striker Mario Balotelli at Euro 2012.

Balotelli, 21, currently tops the goalscoring charts this summer with three goals, and Maradona believes that the Manchester City man is now a "world-star striker".

"Against Germany a world-star striker emerged in the form of Mario Balotelli. Nobody doubted his ability or size, but many criticised his maturity. Against Germany, 'Super Mario' demonstrated that he has arrived on the world stage," he told reporters.

"Served by a brilliant pass by [Antonio] Cassano he scored with his head. Served by a 50-yard pass by (Riccardo) Montolivo he beat German captain [Philipp] Lahm, to score a terrifying goal of power and accuracy. At last Italy have found a true striker. What a difference a goalscorer can make."

Balotelli is expected to be involved when Italy face Spain in the Euro 2012 final on Sunday.