Prandelli relishing Mario challenge

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is enjoying the challenge of coaching Manchester City's temperamental striker Mario Balotelli at Euro 2012.

There had been doubts before the tournament about whether Balotelli - previously dropped by Prandelli due to his disciplinary record on and off the pitch - would make the final squad. But Balotelli repaid Prandelli's faith in him on Thursday night, scoring both goals for Italy as they beat Germany 2-1 to reach the final of the European Championship.

"I have coached Adriano, (Adrian) Mutu, (Antonio) Cassano and Balotelli," Prandelli said in a press conference on Friday. "They are difficult to manage but it's more fascinating. In the end, they are more faithful than those (players) who think they are a champions when they aren't. They are players that have quality and make you win."

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