Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has urged Italy manager Cesare Prandelli to start Mario Balotelli against England on Sunday.
The two sides meet this weekend for the last quarter-final of Euro 2012 and Mancini is backing his City frontman to make an impact against the Three Lions.
"Mario should always play," Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He is the best and, with him, the national team is much stronger. Italy are much stronger if Balotelli plays.
"If you look at the other day, he came on, made an impact in the game and scored a splendid goal. I don't want to steal Prandelli's job because he is doing very well, but I consider Mario the best Italian striker."
It is unclear whether Prandelli will implement the controversial forward into the side or start Antonio Di Natale up front.
