Posted by Will

Manchester City's Italian striker Mario Balotelli has been handed a recall to the national squad for their upcoming Euro 2012 qualification match against Estonia. That match will followed by a friendly against the Republic of Ireland four days later and the striker will have the chance to prove his worth to Cesare Prandelli. The Italy head coach dropped Balotelli along with Daniele De Rossi for breaching team rules. The Roma midfielder has once again been left out of the squad though, his absence from the final three Serie A games due to suspension not helping his case. Those who look at the Euro betting odds will know ill discipline can cost a side a game.

Balotelli finally begun to prove himself at Eastlands during City's successful end of season run-in, and Prandelli has been impressed by the striker's return to form. The fiery front-man hasn't exactly blown the City fans away since his big money move to the club last summer. An injury interrupted season as well as a number of disciplinary issues has seen the striker only start 22 games for his new club, finishing with 10 goals. Those who look at the latest football betting odds will have expected more of him.

He seemed to regain his focus towards the end of the season though, playing a key role in City's FA Cup success. It looks as though Balotelli is determined to repay Roberto Mancini for the faith he has shown him over the years. The battle will be on for the former Inter Milan man to get himself in ideal shape ahead of the new season, when he'll have the perfect chance to show the Premier League just what he is capable of.

Firstly though, and the 20-year-old will need to prove the faith shown in him by his national manager Prandelli. The head coach handed Balotelli his Italy debut earlier this season and the front-man will now have a chance to establish himself in the national team. Balotelli's relationship with the Italian public has often been a fractured one – neither side doing themselves any favours in the past – but if the striker can start scoring for the national team then he'll soon become a fans favourite.