PROVE YOURSELF MARIO

Manchester city manager Roberto Mancini has said that striker Mario Balotelli should prove that his displays after the Euro 2012 are not a flash in the pan and that he should continue doing the same in the Premier league as well.

Mario Balotelli has been criticised a lot since his £ 24 million move from Inter Milan two seasons ago, with fans expecting him to net as many as Fernando Torres did in his first season in England. However, he displayed the reason for Roberto Mancini having the faith in the 21-year-old by performing quite brilliantly in the Euro 2012. He was one of the reasons for helping Italy making it into the final of the tournament.

Even though he was not able to lift the title itself, there has been a lot of praise for the Italian striker. Roberto Mancini has said that the youngsters should not allow his talents go without use and that he should build on this display at the Euro 2012. Manchester city are currently in a pre-season tour of the Asian continent.

They have already proved that they are worthy of retaining the title after excelling in the pre-season friendly matches. They will be facing Chelsea in the community shield next week. Mancini might not have made any great signings in this transfer window, but he is happy with his squad.

"I think that he did well in the Euros. I think he played well, but I also hope those performances can help him to improve. Every time he plays well, like he did at the Euros, it's important for him because it can help him with his behaviour. Then he can understand that, if he improves his behaviour, he can be better at his job. For me, this championship (Euro 2012) was important for Mario," said the Manchester city manager Roberto Mancini, who also conceded defeat in the race for the Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.