Cesare Prandelli backs Mario Balotelli ahead of Euro 2012

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has called on Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli to perform at Euro 2012 this summer.

The 21-year-old has been selected in his country's 23-man squad for the tournament, and Prandelli insists that the striker must let his football do the talking.

"In my opinion, he has to see it as an extraordinary occasion for him as it is for the national side. It is a time for him to be written about for what he does on the pitch and not what he has done off it," the 54-year-old told FIFA's official website.

Italy were eliminated in the group stages at the 2010 World Cup.