Italy coach Cesare Prandelli voiced hope that Mario Balotelli can “become a champion”, and admitted he was “upset” at the timing of the 22-year-old’s eye operation, according to forzaitalianfootball.com.

“I admit I was upset by Balotelli’s decision to have an eye operation the same week that two Italy games were on the horizon,” Prandelli said. “I’ve called him up to try and assess whether he wants to become a champion.”

Balotelli, who has been playing a bit part role so far in Manchester City’s campaign this season, joins an Italy squad filled with young faces, including PSG’s Marco Verratti and AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy,

“Young people are the future, and we have to focus on them,” the 55-year-old coach said.