Balotelli 'the focal point of Italian team'

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli insists temperamental striker Mario Balotelli will be an integral part of the national side, who are set to take on Republic of Ireland in this summer’s European Championships.

Manchester City frontman Balotelli had been excluded from the Azzurri squad in February for a violation of team ethics over his stamp on Tottenham’s Scott Parker during a Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.