Mario Balotelli is not talking to the Italian press, but teammate Daniele De Rossi talked about the controversialManchester City striker, whom he says must grow up or risk undermining Italy’s chances against England in Sunday’s quarterfinals.
“He’s a great player,” said De Rossi, a holdover fromItaly’s 2006 World Cup championship team, “so if he wants to grow up, he has to know how to react to this kind of high-pressure game.”
De Rossi said that Balotelli has to take control ofhis actions and listen to Coach Cesare Prandelli.
“Of course, sometimes, he commits some mistakes off the field,” said De Rossi. “But it’s hisresponsibility. He has to play a great game against England. He has all the quality to do that. He simply has to accept the coach’s decision. It’s the coach who will take the decision about him.”