Mancini says Italy can’t afford to leave Balotelli at home

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that striker Mario Balotelli should be leading theattack for Italy at Euro 2012.

The City forward was controversially overlooked by coach Cesare Prandelli for this week’s international friendly against the United States — a decision which attracted more criticism when the Azzurri were beaten.

Prandelli publicly cited the 21-year-old’s indiscipline as his reason for the omission and Mancini, who has had words with the player about the same subject, agreed Balotelli “should improve his behaviour.”